( 330 ) 



covered with black feathers, of which color is the entire plumage, 

 excepting a patch of white on the crown and hind neck; eyes 

 white ; legs and feet reddish-orange. Length twenty inches, wing 

 nine and a half. Female smaller, with the bill greenish-black ; 

 lower plumage brownish-black ; upper parts and the tail feathers 

 darker. 



This is another of those hardy sea-birds that by our gunners ge- 

 nerally are termed " Coots." The Surf, or " Spectacle Duck," as 

 it is by some called, associates with the former species, and the ha- 

 bits of both are similar. 



When at Montauk Point in the autumn of 1834, on walking out 

 in the morning after a very stormy night, looking up at the Light- 

 house, 1 was surprised to see a bird suspended from the wire frame 

 that protects the glass. On taking it down, I recognised it to be a 

 Surf Duck. The wind had been very high the night before, and 

 doubtless the water became so agitated that it was obliged to take to 

 wing — and being attracted by the light, and flying with great force, 

 it thrust its head through the wires, in which situation it was stran- 

 gled. 



Mr. Audubon says this species breeds on the coast of Labrador ; 

 makes a nest of grass, lines it with down or feathers, and lays from 

 four to six whitish eggs, which are hatched out in the month of Ju- 

 ly. The flesh of the Surf Duck is dark-colored and fishy. 



FULIGULA AMERICANA— SWAINSON. 



AMERICAN SCOTER DUCK. 



Anas nigra, Wilson. 



Fuligula nigra, Bonap. 



Oidemia Americana, Sw. & Rich. 



American Scoter Duck, Fuligula Americana, Nuttall. 



American Scoter Duck, Fuligula Americana, Audubon. 



Specific Character — Bill shorter than the two preceding species, 

 with an abrupt prominence at the base, which is deep orange ; an- 

 terior to the nostril black, margined on the sides with the same co- 

 lor ; general plumage black — bluish on the hind neck, the scapulars 

 tinged with green ; tail graduated and pointed ; tarsi black, feet the 



