336 SURF DUCK. 



rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. Tail very short, narrow, wedge- 

 shaped, of fourteen stiff narrow feathers. 



Basal prominence and sides of the bill black, the sides towards the end 

 bright red, the unguis flesh-colour, with a black line on each side. Iris 

 bright yellow. Feet carmine on the outer side, orange-red on the inner, the 

 webs greyish-black. The general colour of the plumage is brownish-black, 

 on the upper parts glossed with blue, lighter on the lower. The outer 

 secondary quills are white, and there is a spot of the same under the eye. 



Length to end of tail 22 inches, to end of wings 19^, to end of claws 24^; 

 extent of wings 39; wing from flexure 12; tail 3^; bill 1 T 8 2, along the edge 

 of lower mandible 2^ tarsus \\\\ middle toe 3, its claw -/g-. Weight 3 lbs. 

 10 oz. 



Adult Male. 



In the female the basal prominence of the bill is much less elevated, and 

 the colour of the whole bill is dusky. The iris and feet are as in the male, 

 but of duller tints. The general colour of the plumage is a sooty-brown, 

 the breast and abdomen lighter. There are two whitish spots on each side 

 of the head, one near the base of the upper mandible, the other behind the 

 eye; the outer secondary quills are white, as in the male. 



Length to end of tail 22 inches, to end of wings IS, to end of claws 25^; 

 extent of wings 3S; wing from flexure Hi; tail 3^; bill ly^, along the edge 

 of lower mandible 2^; tarsus If; middle toe 2|§, its claw T 5 2. Weight 3 

 lbs. 3 oz. 



The down of this species is similar to that of the Eider Duck, and appa- 

 rently of equal quality. 



