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color ; scapulars and lesser coverts greenish-black ; outer seconda- 

 ries, outer webs, light slate color, tipped with white ; inner webs 

 brown, inner secondaries dark green ; secondary coverts brown. 

 Length eighteen inches, wing seven and three quarters. 



Female with a band of white on the forehead, head and neck 

 brown, larger portion of the breast and abdomen white ; the sides 

 of the body brown. About two inches shorter than the male. 



This bird in general markings is not unlike the Scaup Duck, 

 but it can at all times be readily distinguished by the slate colored 

 markings on the wings. By our gunners generally, it is consider- 

 ed a hybrid, and familiar to them by the name of " Bastard Broad- 

 bill." Along the sea-coast it is not very abundant ; still a few are 

 observed almost every Spring and Autumn along the south shore 

 of Long Island, and at Egg Harbor. On the streams of the interi- 

 or it is quite common during winter. I have met with it on various 

 parts of the Onio, and on the Mississippi as far as New Orleans. — 

 It associates in small parties, and is usually observed flying but a 

 short distance above the water. 



The largest flock I ever met with, was from nine to twelve — - 

 those I saw at the mouth of the river Licking ; but from my ob- 

 servations, they are not so plentiful in the vicinity of Cincinnati, as 

 farther down the Ohio River. 



