What is Labrador's duck?

Labrador duck, Camptorhynchus Labradorius, was a sea duck that lived along the northeast coast of North America. It is generally considered to be one of the earliest North American bird species as an extinction of the European colonization of America. The Labrador duck was not a widespread species even at the time of its discovery and until the end of the 1970s. It was extinct. As a result, a large part of the natural history of the duck is based on assumptions and marginal evidence. The Labrador duck gained this other name from the distinctive white spots on the wings, and especially the sharp contrasting black and white feathers of male ducks. This color was inspired by the second and less flattering common name, Skunk Duck. Females of the species were more subdued brother Wn, but preserved white spots on their wings.

Although the Labrador duck was named for its anticipated nesting areas in Labrador, Canada, they were never definitivelyNo evidence of nest or eggs found. It is known that this kind of duck was wintering on the coast between Nový Scotland, Canada and Long Island in New York, but the location of its reproduction area is still unknown. This duck seems to feed almost exclusively on small molluscs and had a highly specialized account for digging and absorbing mussels, oysters and snails. Many sea ducks normally feed on soft, but Labrador Duck diet seems to contain a much higher proportion than normal today. This specialized diet could be a contributing factor in extinction of the duck.

Unlike many extinct birds, the Labrador duck seems to have not been hunted directly from existence. It was wondering about the unpleasant taste and his meat spoiled quickly. Therefore, it has never been under the big pressure of hunters.

Its extinction could be the result of a decrease in the population of molluscs due to human activity. It could also suffer from her eggs excessively discarded or exposed to foreign predators, and KDIt is difficult to prove or refute without clear idea of ​​the location of the trade. Whatever the cause, the Labrador Duck numbers were constantly decreasing during the 19th century and the last known specimen was collected in 1875 in Long Island.