102 WATER FOWL. 



least strong, for I noticed the birds rarely settled on the 

 water where it was running swiftly. This Duck decoys 

 readily in such situations, and will come right in, and if 

 permitted settle among the wooden counterfeits. They 

 sit lightly upon the water and rise at once without effort 

 or much splashing. The flight is very rapid, and is ac- 

 companied with the same whistling of the wings so 

 noticeable in the Common Golden Eye. In stormy 

 weather this bird keeps close to the banks, seeking shel- 

 ter from the winds. It dives as expertly as its relative, 

 and frequently remains under water for a considerable 

 time. The flesh of those killed upon the river was tender 

 and of good flavor, fish evidently not having figured 

 much as an article of their diet. 



CLA NG ULA ISLANDICA . 



Geographical Distribution. — North America, from the Arctic 

 regions south to northern New York, Illinois, Utah, and Col- 

 orado. Greenland, Iceland. Occasional in Alaska. Accidental 

 in Europe. Breeds from Gulf of St. Lawrence, northward. 



Adult Male.— A. slight occipital crest. Head and upper part 

 of neck, glossy bluish black, in some specimens with greenish 

 reflections in certain lights. A large triangular shaped white 

 patch, similar in form to a crescent, upper end pointed, lower 

 end rounded, occupies the space at base of bill. Lower part 

 of neck, and under parts, pure white ; upper parts, velvety 

 black; outer row of scapulars, with oblong white spots. A 

 lengthened white patch on wing, formed by the middle coverts, 

 ends of the greater coverts, and exposed parts of inner second- 

 aries. Bases of greater wing coverts, black, forming a bar across 

 the white portion. Feathers of sides and flanks, white with 

 outer edges black. Thighs and sides of crissum, dull black. 

 Tail, brownish black, with a greenish gloss. Bill, black. Feet 

 and legs, orange yellow; webs, dusky. Length, about 22 

 inches; wing, 9, tarsus, i^; culmen, i^f,; height of bill at base, 

 average, i; width of nail, \\ width of bill at base, |. 



Adult Female. — Head and neck, snuff brown; darkest on top 



