1902] CouBEAUx — Birds of the Saskatchewan Valleys 245 



SYNOPSIS OF THE BIRDS OF THE SASKATCHEWAN 

 VALLEYS AND TRIBUTARIES. 



By EuG. CouBEAUX, Prince Albert, Sask., N.W.T. 



The present key is based on the recent catalogue of Canadian 

 Birds by Professor John Macoun, M.A., F.R.S.C. (Ottawa, 1900, 

 Part I), and on my own collection and observations. 



It includes all the species commonly found or more or less 

 frequently met with in the two valleys of the Saskatchewan and in 

 those of their tributaries. 



In order to find the name of a bird with this key, see whether 

 the characters of the bird agree with those described in the key, 

 beginning with No. i in the first column of figures and following 

 the numbers of this column consecutively (i, 2, 3, etc.) as long 

 as the characters agree until the name of the bird is reached. 



If a character does not agree, see what the number in the 

 second column of figures is ; then find the same number in the 

 first column lower down, and proceed as above. 



This key is based on conspicuous characters only, without 

 regard to the genus, the family and the orders. It is above all 

 for field use and mainly made with fresh birds. 



ANSERES. 

 Lamellirostral Swimmers. 



Three toes directed forwards, webbed. Bill flat, broad, laminated 

 on sides. 



1 17 Hind toe not lobed. 



2 5 Neck rather long, bill with a soft cere extending to eye. 



3 4 Bill entirely yellow or yellowish. Length 4-5 feet. 



Olor Buccinator (Rich.) Wagler. Trumpeter Swan. 



4 3 Bill having the tip black. Length 4^ feet. 



Olor Columbianus (Ord.) Stephn. Whistling Swan. 



5 2 Neck shorter, bill without cere. 



6 12 Bill shorter than head. 



7 13 Hind toe very short and elevated. 



8 1 1 Neck entirely black. 



9 10 Tail of 18 to 20 quills. Length 35 in. 



Branta Canadensis (Linn.) Bannister. Canada Goosei 



