LAMPBONETTA FISOHEBI. 
SPECTACLED EIDER. 
LAMPRONETTA FISOHEBI. Brandt. Mein. Acad. St. Petersb. 6th Ser., Sc. Nat. Vol. VI. (1849,) p. 10, pi. 1. 
ARCTONETTA FISOHERI. Gray. Proc. Zool. Soc. (1855,) p. 212, pi. cviii. 
LAMPRONETTA FISOHERI. Cassin. B. of N. Amer., p. 803. 
Tins remarkable cluck has until very lately only been known in this country from the descriptions and figures given by Brandt and Gray, 
in the works mentioned above. But within a few months, specimens of both sexes have been received by the Smithsonian Institute from its 
collectors attached to the Russian Telegraph Expedition, thus proving that it is a native of our own coast. Brandt’s Specimens were obtained at 
Norton Sound, Russian America. The L. Fischcri belongs to the same family which includes among its members the well-known Eider Duck, so 
celebrated for the superior quality of its down, but far exceeds that species in the beauty of its plumage; tlie fantastic arrangement of various 
colors upon the head of the male, causing it to appear as though wearing a mask. 
Of the habits or economy of this species we have, as yet, received uo account, but we may safely infer that like the other members of the 
family it haunts rocky shores and islands, goes in flocks of considerable size, resorts to deep water to seek its food, consisting of Crustacea, fry of 
fish, &c., which it procures by diving. The nest, probably formed of grass or sea-weed, would be lined with down plucked from its own breast, 
and placed upon the ground. 
The male of this species has a broad white patch about the eye surrounded by a narrow line. Feathers between this and the bill, 
dark green becoming nearly white at the base of the bill- Nape, occiput, and cheeks bright green. Chin, throat, back, tertils, and a 
patch each side of the rump, white. Under parts, rump, and tad black. Primaries brown. Bill yellowish red. Feet yellow. 
The female has the head and neck yellowish brown ; rest of body rich reddish brown, entirely covered with blackish spots or bars. 
Chin and throat brownish white. 
The plate represents figures of both sexes of the natural size. 
