barrow's garrot. 271 



Barrow's or Rocky Mountain Garrot. 



Clangula Barrovii, Rich, and Sw. 



Head and upper part of the neck glossy purple,, with a 

 large crescent-shaped white mark before each eye ; 

 speculum of the wing white; separated from the band 

 on the covers by a black stripe. 



' Clangula Barrovii, Northern Zoology, ii. pi. 70. p. 456. 



Of this interesting species, — at present so rare in our 

 collections, that only one specimen, we beheve, is in 

 England, — Dr. Richardson merely observes as to its 

 manners, that they do not differ from those of the 

 common golden-eye, although it has hitherto been found 

 only in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Hence we 

 may fairly conclude, that, like the Clangula vulgaris, it 

 would, if introduced alive into this country, readily 

 accommodate itself to the partial confinement of our 

 aquatic preserves ; and when we consider how many of 

 our countrymen are located in, or near to, the regions it 

 inhabits, we trust exertions will be used to accomplish 

 its introduction. 



Notwithstanding the general similarity in the form 

 and markings of this bird and the common golden-eye, 

 the difference in their bills would alone point them out 

 to be distinct species. Exclusive of the specific dif- 

 ferences above noted, the Rocky Mountain garrot is 

 distinguished by the purer colour of its dorsal plumage, 

 and the smaller portion of white on its wings and sca- 

 pulars. Its long flank feathers are also much more 

 broadly bordered all round with black : the bases of the 

 greater covers in the golden-eye are black, but they are 

 concealed, and do not form the black band so conspicu- 

 ous in this. " The specific appellation is intended as a 

 tribute to Mr. Barrow's* varied talents, and his unwea- 

 ried exertions for the promotion of science." 



* Now sir John Barrow, bart. 



