RAZORBILL
Alca torda
Adult (left). Young (right)
THE GREAT AUK
Alca impennis, Linnæus
So much has been written on this now extinct species that it need hardly be mentioned here.
The last living example was killed off Iceland in 1844, and the last British example was captured in 1834 in Waterford Harbour.
In former times it was abundant round Newfoundland, and especially on Funk Island, where the fishermen used to salt it down for food, and soon extirpated it.
In appearance it was like a large Razorbill, but it had very small wings and was quite incapable of flight. The lores and under parts were white, upper parts black. Length 32 in.; wing 4·25 in.
THE COMMON GUILLEMOT
Uria troile (Linnæus)
In its habits, food, and actions this species closely resembles the Razorbill, and they are usually found breeding on the same cliffs. The numbers at a colony can only be reckoned in countless thousands, the birds sitting crowded together as close as possible.
This species lays its egg on the bare open ledges and never seeks the nooks and recesses made use of by the Razorbill. The eggs are very pear-shaped, a wise provision which prevents their rolling off the narrow ledges on which they are laid. In colour they are most variable; the commonest variety is greenish in ground colour with brown or black streaks and markings; cream varieties somewhat resembling those of the Razorbill are not uncommon, but they may always be distinguished by the yellowish white lining membrane, whereas in the Razorbill the membrane is greenish.
The young bird when first hatched is covered with iron-grey down on those parts of the body which are brown in the summer dress of the adult. The under parts are white and there are a few bits of white down on the head.