The martial appearance of these grotesque birds belies their disposition. From a distance they seem like tiny warriors ready to charge but a closer view shows them watching, with spectacled eyes, in mild curiosity. They often bring two or three fish to their burrows and come in with a muffled series of weird throaty notes as tho celebrating the successful foray.
Eskimos use the tuf skins for clothing and receptacles. The body is a welcome change from seal meat but only teeth that can bite blubber can get any enjoyment from strong, flavored fish. They arrive and depart from breeding areas with extraordinary time precision, even leaving flightless young behind.
Coasts and islands of North Atlantic. Breeds from Ungava south to Bay of Fundy and Maine.