description Labrador Duck Overview
The Labrador duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius, was a North American sea duck that became extinct during the nineteenth century. It bred in northeastern North America and wintered along the Atlantic coast, but its nesting grounds and many aspects of its behavior remain poorly documented. The species had strongly contrasting male plumage and survives in scientific collections through a limited number of preserved skins and mounted specimens.
help Labrador Duck FAQ
Is the Labrador Duck still alive?
No, the Labrador duck (Camptorhynchus labradorius) is an extinct species of North American sea duck. The last known specimens were observed in the late 19th century, with the species vanishing around 1878.
Where did the Labrador Duck live?
The Labrador duck bred in northeastern North America, likely in the remote regions of Labrador and Quebec. During the winter, it migrated south to winter along the sandy coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, from New England to the Chesapeake Bay.
Why did the Labrador Duck go extinct?
The exact cause of the Labrador duck's extinction is a mystery, as human hunting was not heavily documented for this species. Scientists believe it was likely driven to extinction by the loss of its food sources or coastal habitat due to human commercial fishing.
What did the Labrador Duck look like?
The Labrador duck was a sea duck with distinct black and white plumage patterns in adult males. Despite its common name, it was also sometimes referred to as the "pied duck" or "sand shoal duck" by early American hunters.
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