466 BLACK OR SURF DUCK. 



ably from the common surface ; the nostrils are large and 

 pervious ; the sides of the bill broadly serrated or toothed ; 

 both mandibles are furnished with a nail at the extremity ; 

 irides, white or very pale cream ; whole plumage, a shining 

 black, marked on the crown and hind head with two triangular 

 spaces of pure white ; the plumage on both these spots is 

 shorter and thinner than the rest ; legs and feet, blood red ; 

 membrane of the webbed feet, black ; the primary quills are 

 of a deep dusky brown. 



On dissection, the gullet was found to be gradually enlarged 

 to the gizzard, which was altogether filled with broken shell- 

 fish. There was a singular hard expansion at the commence- 

 ment of the windpipe, and another much larger about three- 

 quarters of an inch above where it separates into the two lobes 

 of the lungs ; this last was larger than a Spanish hazel-nut, 

 flat on one side, and convex on the other. The protuberance 

 on each side of the bill communicated with the nostril, and 

 was hollow. All these were probably intended to contain 

 supplies of air for the bird's support while under water; the 

 last may also protect the head from the shjwp edges of the 

 shells. 



The female is altogether of a sooty brown, lightest about 

 the neck ; the prominences on the bill are scarcely observable, 

 and its colour dusky. 



This species was also found by Captain Cook at Nootka 

 Sound, on the north-west coast of America. 



