216 ANAS RUBIDUS. 



much larger about three quarters of an inch above where 

 it separates into the two lobes of the lungs ; this last 

 was larger than a Spanish hazel nut, flat on one side 

 and convex on the other. The protuberance on each 

 side of the bill communicated with the nostril, and \vas 

 hollow. All these were probably intended to contain 

 supplies of air for the bird's support while under water; 

 the last may also protect the head from the sharp edges 

 of the shells. 



The female is altogether of a sooty brown, lightest 

 about the neck ; the prominences on the bill are scarcely 

 observable, and its colour dusky. 



This species was also found by Captain Cook at 

 Nootka Sound, on the northwest coast of America. 



272. ANAS nUBIDUS, WILSON RUDDY DUCK. 



WILSON, PLATE LXII. FIG. V. MALE. 



THE specimen from which this very rare duck was 

 described was shot some years ago, on the river Delaware, 

 and appears to be an entire new species. The female, 

 described in the next article, was killed in the same 

 river ; and they are the only individuals of their kind I 

 have met with. They are both preserved in the superb 

 museum of my much respected friend, Mr Peale, of this 

 city. 



On comparing this duck with the description given 

 by Latham of the Jamaica shoveller, I was at first 

 inclined to believe I had found out the species ; but a 

 more careful examination of both satisfied me that they 

 cannot be the same, as the present differs considerably 

 in colour ; and, besides, has some peculiarities which 

 the eye of that acute ornithologist could not possibly 

 have overlooked, in his examination of the species said 

 to have been received by him from Jamaica. Wherever 

 the general residence of this species may be, in this part 

 of the world, at least, it is extremely rare, since among 

 the many thousands of ducks brought to our markets 

 during winter, I have never heard of a single individual 

 of the present kind having been found among them. 



