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SURF SCOTER, SKUNK-HEAD. 

 Oidemia perspicillata (LiNN.), 



The adult male is deep black above, changing on the 

 lower parts to a very dark brownish-black. There is a 

 white patch on the forehead, cut off squarely behind the 

 eyes, and running out to a point a little beyond the gap 

 of the bill. On the back of the head and neck there is 

 another white patch, cut off squarely in front and run- 

 ning down to a semi-circular ending on the back of the 

 neck. The bill is swollen at the base, white and red in 

 color, with a squarish patch of black on either side near 

 the base. The nail is horn-color. The feet are orange, 

 with dusky webs. 



The adult female is brownish-black everywhere, be- 



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