BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 65 



pression thoroughly rooted in the minds of several experienced 

 observers whose opportunities have been exceptionally good, 

 and have extended through a longer residence than mine. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill, black; head, and upper part of neck, glossy green; un- 

 der surface opaque velvety purplish- black; an elliptical patch 

 along the base of the upper mandible anterior to the eye, lower 

 part of the neck, under parts generally, sides, middle and 

 greater wing coverts, innermost secondaries, and tertials (ex- 

 cept the innermost three or four) white; white on wing a con- 

 tinuous patch, although there is a concealed black bar on the 

 bases of the greater coverts; inner scapulars white, margined 

 externally with black; posteriorly however they are black, 

 streaked centrally with white; inner scapulars and tertials, and 

 the whole back, rump, and lesser wing coverts, black; prima- 

 ries and tail black with a hoary gloss; under side of quills and 

 lower greater coverts plumbeous- gray; rest of under wing 

 and axillars sooty- brown; long white feathers of flanks edged 

 superiorly with black; iris, golden-yellow. 



Length, 18.75; wing, 8.50; tarsus, 1.50; commissure, 2. 



Habitat, North America. 



GLAUCIONETTA ISLANDICA (Gmelin). (152.) 

 BARROWS GOLDEN-EYE. 



If the measurements given by systematists were reliably 

 specific, I could report this species with more confidence, but 

 those, as well as all of the specific characters given definitely, 

 grade into each other so completely that I do not feel like 

 speaking with the confidence I otherwise would in many, or 

 rather several instances. Still, one specimen obtained in 1877, 

 and another in 1881 were well made out; both having been 

 brought in from beyond the Big Woods by sportsmen who 

 called them "Whistlers." Last year one was sent me from 

 near the Iowa state line which was a typical bird, and Dr. 

 Hvoslef has a female of this species in excellent plumage. 



I must conclude that they are rare, but less so than I once 

 supposed. I think it quite possible that amongst those reputed 

 to remain in open waters through the winter, this species may 

 yet be found most represented. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



Head and neck all around a bluish violet, occasionally with 

 green, or purplish reflections; a large white patch anterior to 

 the eye, occupying the entire side of the bill and running up in 

 a point on the forehead; lower neck and underparts generally 



