Shrimp and small fish always are obtainable, from ocean's table, by these birds and one of their common names — "Sea Quail" — suggests plumpness and size. They nest in burrows with other AUKLETS, digging a three or four foot tunnel with few offshoots.
They are common on the Farallones and elsewhere usually are found interspersed among other species.
Dawson says they nest in most unexpected places; a pile of coal was full of them! — flight control was poor and his workroom door was a constant target. A crash announced the arrival of the family provider. The impact stunned the bird and it fell but immediately began a frantic search, then disappeared under the doorstep.
"Right here! Right here!" proclaimed the home coming of the dinner laden parent.
Pacific coast of North America from Aleutian Islands south to Lower California.