CAMPTOL^EMUS LABRADORIUS. Gmel. 
LABRADOR DUCK. 
Anas labradora. — Gm., Syst, Nat., I. 587 (1788); Lath., Inch Orn., II. 859 (1790); Wils., Am. Orn., Vol. VIII. 
P- 9 i (1814). 
Anas {Fuligula) labradora. — Bp., Obs. Wils. (1835). 
Fuligula labradora. — Bp., Syn,, 391 (1828); Nutt., Man., Vol. II. p. 428 (1834); Aud., Bds. N. Am., Vol. VI. p. 329, 
pi. 400 (1843); DeKay, N. Y., p. 326 (1844); Schleg., Mus. Pays-Bas, Vol. VIII. (1865). 
Rhynchaspis labradora. — Steph,, Gen. Zook, XII. p. 12 1 (1824). 
Camptolcmmis labradornis. — Gray, List Gen. Bds. (1840); Reich., Syst. At., VIII. (1852) ; Coues, Proc. A. N. S. Phil., 329 
(1861); Verr., Proc. Ess. Inst., III. 158 (1862); Coues, Key N. A. Bds., 291 (1872); Bds. N. W., p. 579 (1874). 
Somateria labradoria. — Rowley, Ornith. Misc., Vol. II. p. 205. 
LIab. — Eastern Coast of the United States, northward — -Arctic America? 
is now many years since a specimen of the Labrador Duck is known to have been taken, and on account of its 
disappearance, many naturalists have advanced the statement that it has ceased to exist, and joined the long list of species 
known to science whose names are followed by the simple legend “ extinct.” That the Labrador Duck is no longer repre- 
sented by living specimens I do not believe. That it is no longer to be found in localities where it was once abundant is 
unquestionably true; but that does not argue its extinction. According to all accounts it was an extremely hardy bird, 
frequenting the coast of New England during the coldest months of winter, and it seems plausible that this bird will yet be 
found, together with many new and undescribed species, in the far-off and little-known regions of the north. 
Audubon, in writing of this species, says, “It is a very hardy bird, and is met with along the coasts of Nova Scotia, 
Maine, and Massachusetts during the most severe cold of winter. My friend, Prof. MacCulloch, of Pictou, has procured 
several in his immediate neighborhood; and the Hon. Daniel Webster, of Boston, sent me a fine pair killed by himself in 
the Vineyard Islands, on the coast of Massachusetts. . . . The range of this species along our shores does not extend 
further southward than Chesapeake Bay, where I have seen some, near the influx of the St. James River. I have also met 
with several in the Baltimore market. Along the coast of New Jersey and Long Island it occurs in greater or less number 
every year. It also, at times, enters the Delaware River, and ascends it at least as far as Philadelphia. . . . The Pied Duck 
seems to be a truly marine bird, seldom entering rivers unless urged by stress of weather. It procures its food by diving 
amidst the rolling surf, over sand or mud bars; although at times it comes along the shore and searches in the manner of 
the Spoon-bill Duck. Its usual fare consists of small shellfish, fry, and various kinds of seaweeds, along with which it 
swallows much sand and gravel. Its flight is swift, and its wings emit a whistling sound. It is usually seen in flocks of 
from seven to ten, probably the members of one family.” 
The following list of specimens is taken from Rowley’s “ Ornithological Miscellany,” Vol. II. In the American list I 
have made some slight alterations, in instances where the specimens are known to have changed hands : — 
LIST OF SPECIMENS. 
EUROPE. Sex. Number. 
The British Museum ‘ • £-2 2 
£ adult presented to the Museum by the Hudson’s Bay Company, about the year 1835. 
2 adult, purchased from Verreaux in 1863 with a miscellaneous lot of North American birds. 
Eiverpool Museum . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . £ 2 ,$ juv. 3 
£ adult, purchased from Mr. Gould, Jan. 16, 1833. 
2 . adult, presented by T. C. Eyton, Esq. ; purchased from Mr. Gould, Jan. 16, 1833. 
<k — Though regarded by Lord Derby as a female, this would appear to be a young male, “for the 
throat and breast are assuming the white of the male.” 
