BRACHYRAMPHUS HYPOLEUCUS .
CAPE ST. LUCAS GUILLEMOT.
BACHYRAMPHUS HYPOLEUCUS. Xantus. Proc. Acad. Nat Scien (1859), p. 29 .
Among the new and curious forms obtained by Mr. J ohn Xantus during the period in which he was collecting objects of Natural History at
Cape St. Lucas, not one was more unexpected and seemingly out o f place, than the present species. Inhabitants of high northern latitudes coming
south only during severe winters, the family of Auks were always associated with ice and snow, and the chilling blasts o f winter, therefore it
appeared almost unnatural that one of these strange birds should be found domiciled at so southern a point.
The present species resembles more the B. Marmoratus, than any other member o f the family inhabiting ourcoast, in/its slender bill and small
size. Only one specimen was obtained by Mr. Xantus, and as this seems to be in its winter dress, we cannot form any idea o f what it looks like
when arrayed in the nuptial plumage. Nothing of its habits or economy are known.
Head and upper parts brownish black; sides of neck and breast ashy. Rest of plumage pure white. Bill black. The figures are the natural