OMBEIA P SIT TACIT LA. 
PAR ROT- BILLED AUK. 
ALGA PS1TTACULA. Pallas. Spic. Zool. Part V. (1769), p. 13. 
OMBEIA PSITTACULA. Eschsholtz. Zool. Atlas, 1Y. (1831), p. 3. 
This curious little bird is a native of the Northwest coast of America, and, as its structure shows, is accustomed to pass its 
time upon the water. Its short and feeble wings incapacitate it from performing any lengthened flight, and by having its legs 
placed far behind the centre of its body, it is rendered unable to walk with any facility upon the land. But upon the surface of 
the sea it is active and rapid in its movements; buoyant as a cork, it swims swiftly, propelled by quick strokes of its legs, and, 
diving beneath the waves, pursues and easily captures its prey. 
Of the habits of the Parrot-Billed Auk, little has been narrated, but they would not differ from those of other species of the 
same family with which we are more familiar. Its home is upon the sea, but it returns to the land at dusk to pass the night 
upon the ledges of rocks near the water, or else in the holes or fissures in which it is accustomed to have its nest. When on 
land, this bird always assumes an upright position, and moves with an awkward waddle. 
The conical shape of the bill would be sufficient to distinguish this species from all others, and according to Mr. Cassin, “ it 
seems to attain a maximum of oddity amongst the queer bills of this family of birds. The whole affair looks as if it might be a 
nose of wax badly pinched and jerked upwards, especially to the disadvantage of the under mandible." 
Head and upper parts brownish black : a line of white hair-like feathers extends from the eye down the sides of the neck ; 
breast mottled with dark brown and white ; rest of under parts white. Bill deep red ; feet yellowish. 
The figures are life-size. 
