BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 65 
pression thoroughly rooted in the minds of several experienced 
observers whose opportunities have been exceptionally good, 
and have extended through a longer residence than mine. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Bill, black; head, and upper part of neck, glossy green; un- 
der surface opaque velvety purplish-black; an elliptical patch 
along the base of the upper mandible anterior to the eye, lower 
part of the neck, under parts generally, sides, middle and 
greater wing coverts, innermost secondaries, and tertials (ex- 
cept the innermost three or four) white; white on wing a con- 
tinuous patch, although there is a concealed black bar on the 
bases of the greater coverts; inner scapulars white, margined 
externally with black; posteriorly however they are black, 
streaked centrally with white; inner scapulars and tertials, and 
the whole back, rump, and lesser wing coverts, black; prima- 
ries and tail black with a hoary gloss; under side of quills and 
lower greater coverts plumbeous-gray; rest of under wing 
and axillars sooty-brown; long white feathers of flanks edged 
superiorly with black; iris, golden-yellow. 
Length, 18.75; wing, 8.50; tarsus, 1.50; commissure, 2. 
Habitat, North America. 
GLAUCIONETTA ISLANDICA (Gmewry). (152.) 
BARROW’S GOLDEN-_EYE. 
If the measurements given by systematists were reliably 
specific, I could report this species with more confidence, but 
those, as well as all of the specific characters given definitely, 
grade into each other so completely that I do not feel like 
speaking with the confidence I otherwise would in many, or 
rather several instances. Still, one specimen obtained in 1877, 
and another in 1881 were well made out; both having been 
brought in from beyond the Big Woods by sportsmen who 
called them ‘‘Whistlers.” Last year one was sent me from 
near the lowa state line which was a typical bird, and Dr. 
Hvoslef has a female of this species in excellent plumage. 
I must conclude that they are rare, but less so than I once 
supposed. I think it quite possible that amongst those reputed 
to remain in open waters through the winter, this species may 
yet be found most represented. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
_ Head and neck all around a bluish violet, occasionally with 
green, or purplish reflections; a large white patch anterior to 
the eye, occupying the entire side of the bill and running up in 
a point on the forehead; lower neck and underparts generally 
