228 KING DUCK. 



The food of this species is similar to that of the Common Eider. The stomach of 

 one examined by Mr. Thompson, contained "the remains of Crustacea and mollusca, 

 namely, an Inaclms of middle size; the largest Portunus arcuatus that I had seen, (and 

 perfect except the arms,) a Nucula margaritacea, and a small buckie-whelk, [Buccinum 

 unclatum.y 



Being of large size, they require close quarters and heavy shot to bring them down; 

 but during the breeding-season they may often be knocked down with sticks. 



In the adult male, the bill is vermillion colour, a narrow band of black feathers at 

 the base. Irides, yellow; crown and nape, pale blue gray; cheeks, white, tinged with 

 green; neck, upper portion of back and wing coverts, white; rest of back, and upper 

 tail coverts, black. Tail, brownish black; primaries, secondaries, and tertials, dusky 

 black; the latter fall over the wings; point of the shoulder, black; under the chin is 

 a black line; the breast, buffy white; lower breast, belly, and vent, black; flanks, black, 

 with an oval patch of white. Legs and feet, orange-colour. 



The female has the bill greenish brown; general plumage, pale brown, with darker 

 markings. 



It weighs from three to five pounds. 



It measures, in length, about two feet. 



