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BARROW’S DUCK.

Clangula Barrovii, Swains. and Rich.

A rine male of this rare and beautiful species having been shot in Iceland by T. C. Atkinson, Esq. of New-
castle-upon-Tyne, when on a visit to that country, about two years since, we have much pleasure in figuring
it as an occasional inhabitant of the European portion of the globe. Mr. Atkinson’s specimen is now depo
sited in the Museun of the Newcastle Natural History Society. Although very nearly allied to the Golden
Hye (Clangula vulgaris), it possesses, nevertheless, many characters by which it may be distinguished from
that species. For our first knowledge of the Clangula Barrovii we are indebted to that highly interesting
work the ‘‘ Fauna Boreali-Americana” of Messrs. Swainson and Richardson ; and as the observations of the
latter gentleman were taken on the spot, we cannot do better than extract what he has recorded in the work
above mentioned.

2?

‘* Notwithstanding,” says Dr. Richardson, “ the general similarity in the form and markings of this bird
and the Common Golden Eye, the difference in their bills evidently points them out to be distinct species.
Exclusive of other specific characters,” the Barrow’s Duck “ is distinguished by the purer colour of its dorsal
plumage, and the smaller portion of white on its wings and scapulars. Its long flank feathers are also much
more broadly bordered all round with black. The bases of the greater coverts in the Golden Eye are black ;
but they are concealed, and do not form the black band so conspicuous in Clangula Barrovii. The specific
appellation is intended as a tribute to Mr. Barrow’s varied talents, and his unwearied exertions for the pro-
motion of science.

‘‘ Head and two inches of the neck bright pansy-purple, with a greenish reflection on the ears; forehead
and chin brownish black. Dorsal plumage, wings, and broad tips of the long flank feathers mostly velvet
black. Crescentic patch from the rictus to the sides of the forehead, lower part of the neck, shoulders, tips
of the outer scapularies, lower row of lesser coverts, six secondaries, and under plumage pure white ; space
round the thighs, the tail, and its lateral under coverts broccoli-brown ; bill blackish ; legs orange ; webs
black.

‘* Bill shorter and narrower towards the point than that of the Golden Eye, and the feathers of the forehead,
instead of running to a point on the ridge of the bill as in the latter, terminate with a semicircular outline.
The plumage also of the occiput and nape is longer, forming a more decided crest than in that species.
Wings two inches and a half shorter than the tail.”

The female we have never seen, but have thought it best to append Dr. Richardson’s description of that
sex.

‘« Female
black ; its anterior part, particularly the shoulders and the base of the neck all round, edged with ash grey.
A white collar round the middle of the neck. Flanks clove-brown, edged with white. Intermediate coverts
blotched with white and black ; greater coverts white tipped with black secondaries as in the male. Both

 

head and adjoining part of the neck umber-brown, without a white mark ; dorsal plumage pitch

mandibles orange at the point, their tips and posterior parts black. Feet like the male.”
Our Plate represents a male of the natural size.