RAZORBILL.
ALCA TORDA, Linn.
Alca torda, Linn. S. N. i. p. 210 (1766) j Naum. xii. p. 606;
Hewitson, ii. p. 468; Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 55 ; Dresser,
viii. p. 557.
Utamania torda, Macg. v. p. 346.
Pingouin maeroptere, French; Tord-Alk, German; Pin-guino,
Gallareta de mar, Spanish.
This is a common cliff-breeding species on our coasts,
and to be found at all seasons of the year in our British
seas.
The Razorbill feeds entirely by diving, at which it is
very expert; in general habits it much resembles the
Common Guillemot and Puffin, frequenting the same
cliffs for breeding-purposes as those species, though in
considerably smaller numbers. The egg of the Razorbill
is less pointed or pear-shaped than that of the
Guillemot, and is not subject to so many variations in
colour and markings as the produce of that bird, the
usual type being of a dingy-white ground-colour, with
dark brown blotches and streaks. The young birds are
carried down to the sea by their parents before they can
fly, and diligently instructed in the art of diving. As