98 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
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 AMERICAN SCOTER. 
Fuligula Americana .— Vulgo , Coot, 
This bird is abundant along the Atlantic coasts during the 
winter, from the gulf of the St. Lawrence to the mouths of the 
Mississippi. It is never seen inland. Breeds in Labrador. 
Like the two last named varieties, its flesh is worthless. Mr. 
Giraud thus describes it, briefly, among the birds of Long Is¬ 
land, where it is known, like the Yelvet and Surf Ducks, as a 
Coot , to which bird, be it observed, it has no affinity, and bears 
no resemblance. 
“ Specific Character .—Bill reddish-orange, paler at the sides 
and tip; a patch of black at the sides of the base of the upper 
mandible, where it is very broad and high; nostrils large, per¬ 
fectly free and arched; the upper part of the upper mandible 
as far’as the nostrils, same color and very broad. Length nine¬ 
teen inches, wing nine. Female smaller, and with the protu¬ 
berance at the base much less; upper parts brownish-black; 
lower parts lighter. 
“ This is also one of the * Coots.’ It passes its time at sea, 
and Isubsists by fishing, frequently associating with the Velvet 
and Surf Ducks. Like all other divers, it is often caught by 
becoming entangled in the fishermen’s nets. In the Eastern 
States, it is known by the name of ‘ Butter Bill.’ ” 
