THE VELVET DUCK. 
47 
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 19f, to end of claws 24£ ; 
extent of wings 39 ; wing from flexure 12 ; tail 3f ; bill 1 T 8 2 -, along the edge 
of lower mandible 2 T V 5 tarsus ; middle toe 3, its claw 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 oreast 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 18, to end of claws 25£ > 
extent of wings 38 ; wing from flexure 111 ; tail 3£ ; bill lyU, along the 
edge of lower mandible 2/2 ; tarsus If ; middle toe 2}f, its claw fV. Weight 
3 lbs. 3 oz. 
The down of this species is similar to that of the Eider Duck, and appa- 
rently of equal quality. 
