The Labrador duck is an extinct North American duck species. It has the distinction of being the first known endemic North American bird species to become extinct after the Columbian Exchange, with the last reported sighting occurring in 1878 in Elmira, New York, and the last preserved specimen was shot in the fall of 1875 in Long Island, New York by J.G. Bell. It was already a rare duck before European settlers arrived, and as a result of its rarity, information on the Labrador duck is not abundant, although some, such as its habitat, characteristics, dietary habits and reasons behind its extinction, are known. There are 55 specimens of the Labrador duck preserved in museum collections around the globe.
Region
Northwestern Atlantic coast of North America
Typical Environment
Breeding was presumed in coastal Labrador and adjacent subarctic Canada, though exact sites were never confirmed. In winter it frequented sheltered marine coasts, bays, and estuaries from Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence south to Long Island and occasionally the Chesapeake Bay. It favored rocky intertidal shores and shallow sandy flats with abundant small mussels, periwinkles, and other mollusks. Inland occurrences were rare and likely involved migration stopovers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Labrador duck is the first known North American bird to go extinct after the Columbian Exchange, with the last credible record in 1878. It was specialized for feeding on small marine mollusks along rocky coasts and was reportedly unpalatable, so direct hunting pressure was likely limited. Habitat change and depletion/pollution of shellfish beds are suspected drivers of its rapid decline. Only about 55 museum specimens exist today, making it one of the rarest birds in collections.
Diagram of the male
Illustration by John Gerrard Keulemans of a female and male
Illustration by John James Audubon
Stuffed specimens, American Museum of Natural History
Temperament
wary and coastal
Flight Pattern
low over water with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks on wintering grounds. Pairing likely occurred at sea; nesting was presumed on the ground near freshwater in subarctic coastal areas, but details were never well documented. Generally kept close to shorelines and sheltered waters.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations were poorly documented; presumed to give soft whistles and gruff notes typical of sea ducks. Generally quiet, with calls most often heard during close interactions in flocks.
