Labrador Duck

Labrador Duck mount, Camptorhynchus labradorium, collected 1841
Common Name: Labrador Duck
Scientific Name: Camptorhynchus labradorium
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae Merginae
Dimensions: Centimetres: 30 x 10 x 37
Museum ID Number: 95058
Image Number: ROM2004_1063_2
Location: Long Island; New York; USA; North America
Habitat/Biome: Marine

Description: The last Labrador Duck was shot off Long Island, New York in 1875. Very little is known about this sea duck. It was a strong flyer, good diver, and based on the bill shape and structure, was probably specialized in its feeding. Labrador Ducks were found along the east coast of North America and may have had a very restricted breeding range. This species was probably hunted to extinction for its eggs, meat and feathers. The feathers were used to stuff mattresses and pillows. There are only 54 remaining skins of Labrador Ducks left in the world today, three of which are in Canada.