BIRDS OF NEW YORK 219 



far as nostril, the bare base of the bill broad on top and extending backward 

 on each side between the two feathered areas aforesaid in a broad arm 

 with rounded ends (the Greenland eider has the arms of this V-shaped base 

 of the culmen narrow and more pointed at the ends); top of head black, 

 bordered below by pale green; rest of head white, tinged with greenish 

 on its sides and back; throat, neck, back, scapulars and lesser wing coverts 

 white; breast tinged with vinaceous; middle rump, upper and under tail 

 coverts, lower breast, and belly black. Adult female: Plumage barred 

 with black and rusty or ocherous, the head and neck streaked with the 

 same. Young: Like the female, but more buffy. 



Length 22-24 inches; wing 11.2-11.5; bill from posterior end of nostril, 

 male, i. 35-1. 45, female, 1.32; angle from extremity of loral feathering, 

 male, 1.75-2, female 1.87; its width at middle, male .45-5, female .22; 

 depth of upper mandible at the frontal apex, male, 1-1.25, female .78. 



Distinguishing marks. This eider is best determined by the angle and 

 feathering on the sides of the bill; and it is practically impossible for the 

 amateur to recognize the young and females in any other way. By referring 

 to the description and measurements of the bill given above and under 

 King eider he will have no difficulty when the specimen is in hand, but 

 they can not be recognized at any great distance when alive. 



Although the American eider nests as far south as the coast of Maine 

 it is a rare visitor on the waters of New York State. Its general appearance 

 and habits resemble those of the King eider. The following records are 

 undoubtedly authentic: 



Branchport, N. Y. Feb. 1873. Auburn List 



Center Moriches, L. I. Nov. 8, 1886. 9 juvenal. L. S. Foster, Forest and Stream, 



27: 323 

 Smith's Point, L. I. 1880. (Helme). Butcher 

 Moriches, L. I. Dec. 16, 1891. (Seaman). Dutcher 

 Montauk Point, L. I. Mar. 25, 1894. ?. (Mulford). Dutcher 

 Ossining, N. Y. Dec. 14, 1894. Dr A. K. Fisher 

 Buffalo, N. Y. Rare, wv. Linden, Bergtold List 

 Brockport, N. Y. wv. Rare. David Bruce 



