Albinism and Melanism in North 
tmSm Birds. Ruthv.n - rm*. 
Mr. John Akhurst informs me that he has seen an albino 
specimen of the Surf Duck. 
BnLLN.O.O, 4, Jan., 1879, p*29 
An Albino Surf Duck ( GELdemici perspicillata ^.. — Some time since Mr. 
Alfred J. Leavitt, keeper of the Boon Island (Maine) light-house, sent me 
drawings of a ‘curious Duck’ which was shot at that place October 13, 1884, 
by Mr. H. Z. Ellis. After some correspondence Mr. Ellis has kindly sent 
me the specimen for examination. It proves to be an Albino Surf Duck 
( CEdemia perspicillata ) . Mr. Ellis writes me that it “headed a flock of 
Coots.” and that its eyes were “jet black.” The bird is not pure white. 
The throat, under parts, sides ofhead and neck, and part of the wing-cov- 
erts and tail are soiled white. The top of the head, a line down the back 
of the neck, and the wings are pale bleached brown. The markings are 
symmetrical. — C. Hart Merriam, Locust Grove , N. T. 
Auk, 2, Oct. , 1886. p. ■ 
