NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 
239 
Camptol/Emus Labradorius (Gba.) Gray. — Labrador Duck. “Fool-bird.” 
Fuligula Labradora , And., Birds Amer. vi. 329, pi. 400. 
Camptoltemus Labradorius, Baird, Gen. Rep. 803. 
I did not succeed in procuring or even meeting with this rare and very re- 
markable Duck. I was informed that, though it was very rarely seen in the 
summer, it is not an uncommon bird in Labrador during the fall ; it is known 
by the peculiar appellation of “Fool-bird,” a name given on account of its 
remarkably unsuspicious nature, which renders it easy to approach. The 
name, however, can scarcely be a general one. Further than this I learned 
nothing respecting it. 
Pelionetta perspicillata (L. ) Kaup. — Surf Duck. ‘ i Bottle-nosed Coot. 5 ’ 
Fuligula perspicillata, And., Birds Amer. vi. 337, pi. 402. 
Pelionetta perspicillata, Baird, Gen. Rep. 806. 
The Surf Duck is an abundant bird along the coast of Labrador, where a 
good many breed, though perhaps a greater number go still further north. 
They are seen in flocks of considerable extent, especially during the renewal 
of their feathers, at which time they collect in great numbers along the shores 
of the bays and inlets. On the 3d of August, while sailing up Esquimaux Bay, 
the shore for nearly a mile was lined with these Ducks, and the succeeding 
species. They were all in deep moult, and most of them unable to fly, and 
yet were so wary and vigilant, that few were obtained, for they dived at the 
flash of the gun with such celerity as to escape the shot. They are tough 
birds, and remarkably tenacious of life, and require a heavy charge to kill 
them. Those procured were excessively fat, but their flesh was rank and 
oily. They are known as “Bottle-nosed Coots,” a name given in allusion to 
the very peculiar shape and color of the bill. 
Melanetta velvetina Baird. — Velvet Duck. “ White-winged Coot “ Brass- 
winged Diver.” 
Fuligulu fusca, And., Birds Amer. vi. 332, pi. 401. 
Melanetta velvetina, Baird, Gen. Rep. 805. 
This species is nearly if not quite as abundant as the preceding, with which 
it is often found associating. It appears to possess much the same habits. It 
is a very shy and vigilant species, and possesses powers of diving surpassed 
by few birds. It is known by the names of the “ White-winged Coot ” and 
“ Brass-winged Diver,” the former being the most usual appellation. 
Though I did not meet with the American Scoter, Oidemia Americana, I was 
assured that it breeds in the neighborhood of Esquimaux Bay. It is known as 
the “Black Coot” and “Butter-billed Coot.” The three species of Oidemiece 
are all called “ Coots ;” a nomenclature that puzzled me not a little, until I 
ascertained to what birds the names referred. 
Somateria mollissima (Linn.) Leach. — Eider Duck. “ Sea-duck.” 
Fuligula mollissima , And., Birds Amer. vi. 349. pi. 405. 
Somateria mollissima, Baird, Gen. Rep. 809. 
The Eider Duck, so widely and justly celebrated for the valuable down 
which it furnishes in such quantity as to make it a profitable article of com- 
merce, is the most abundant Duck throughout the extent of Labrador, which 
is with it a favorite breeding place. For although many breed in very high 
latitudes on both sides of the Atlantic, yet Labrador, from the peculiar nature 
of its coast, seems a country specially adapted to its wants. It also finds 
there a safer place of retreat while engaged in the duties of incubation, since, 
at least as far as I can ascertain, its down is not so regularly sought for as it is 
in some other countries. Wherever found at all it is an abundant species ; but 
on the American coast it is seldom or never seen south of Long Island or the 
New Jersey Capes. 
1861.] 
