' T r -’t V
I E A T E E O E L A G-L AC IALI S .
LA R G E -B I L L PU F F IH.
FRATERCULA GLACIALIS. L each. Steph’s. Gen. Zool. Vol. XIII. p; 40. pi. 4. fig. 2. 1868.—N ewton. Ibis. (1865.) p. 521.—Cotjes.
Proo. A. N. S. 1868.
MORMON GLACIALIS. Naum. I sk (1821.) p. 783.. tab . VII. fig. 2.
The accompanying plate contains a figure of the bird to which the name of “Glacialis” has been given, as distinguishing it from
the well known F. Arctica. Thè chief, in fact the only difference, is in the greater size of the bill, and its corresponding change of
outline, which, unfortunately for the claims of its possessor to a separate specific rank, varies greatly among individuals from the same
locality. Prof. Newton, in the Ibis, as quoted, gives a list of measurements of various examples of this species, so considered, and the
F. Arctica, and among these last are two from Iceland, which approach so nearly to the Spitsbergen specimens, that it can be no easy
matter to separate them. At certain ages, the two forms are not to be distinguished from each other, and when it is impossible to
draw a limit where Arctica ends and Olacialis begins, it seems hazardous tO: claim that there are two species, since the assertion appears
incapable òf proof, and consequently untenable. The measurements of other portions of the body, as given by Prof. Newton, show how
even these vary, as hardly any two are alike in any particular.'
In addition to my plate, I also present here life-size representations of the heads Of both forms, and also of F Comiculata, in order
that comparisons may be easily and satisfactorily made. The drawing of the head of F Glacialis is from one of the Spitzbergen
specimens kindly furnished me by Prof. Newton, (to whom I take this opportunity of returning thanks for his aid, accorded at various
periods during the publication of this work), and in every, respect does the species (?) full justice, as the bill is one of the most
exaggerated forms witnessed among the examples obtained in that remote portion of the earth.
I believe that my plate contains the first life-size representation of this style of Fratercula that has been given, as Naumann
only exhibits the head; Stephens’ figure is reduced, while Audubon’s and Gould’s so-called Glacialis is a very di erent species,
the F. Comiculata.