LAMPRONETTA FISCHERI .
S P E C T A C L E D E IDE R .
LAMPRONBTTA FISCHERI. Brandt. Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. 6tli Ser., Sc. Nat. Vol. VI. (1849,) p. 10, pi. 1.
ARCTONETTA PISCHBRI. Gray. Proc. Zool. Soc. (1855,) p. 212, pi. cviii.
LAMPRONBTTA PISCHERI. Gassin. B. o f N. Amer., p . 803.
This remarkable duck has until very lately only been known in this country from the descriptions and figures given by Brandt and Gray,
in the works mentioned abovd. 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. Pischeri 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; the 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 no account, but we may safely infer that like the other members of the
fa mily it haunts rocky shores and islands, goes in Hocks o f 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 tail 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.