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Remarks (Some specimens have a white)

Some specimens have a white ring around the eye and a white stripe behind it. They have been named U. ringvia (Brünn.), but it is uncertain as to whether the species is a distinct one or is based on a mere variation of plumage. Range." Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic" (A. O. U.). In North America, breeding from Nova Scotia northward, and migrating southward as far as Massachusetts.

Nests in communities, side by side on the bare ledges of rocky cliffs. Egg, one, pyriform, varying from pale blue or greenish blue to whitish or buffy, singularly spotted, scrawled, or streaked with shades of chocolate, rarely unmarked, 3.25 × 2.00. "These birds begin to assemble on their customary cliffs in England early in May, and crowd together in such numbers that it is not uncommon to see hundreds sitting upon their eggs on the ledge of a rock, all in a line, and nearly touching each other" (Nuttall). "The bird usually sits facing the cliff, holding the egg between her legs, with its point outward; if robbed, she will lay at least one more, AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. similar in character.

Considerable force is exercised in diving, and the wings are used for propulsion under water" (Saunders). 31. Uria lomvia (Linn.). BRÜNNICH'S MURRE. Ad. in summer.- Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty black, foreneck somewhat browner; tips of secondaries, breast, and belly white; base of the upper mandible greenish, rounded outward beyond the edge of the lower mandible. L., 16.50; W., 8-40; Tar., 1.30; B., 1.25; depth of B. at nostril, 47.