BLACK DUCK. 
327 
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 sharp 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 Cooke at Nootka 
Sound, on the north-west coast of America. 
