ANATJD.E. 



499 



SUB-FAMILY IV 



Cygxin.e. 



The Swans. 



Gen. Charac— Bill nearly the length of the head, higher at the base than 

 broad, and covered with a soft cere, which in most extends to each eye, the 

 breadth of the bill uniform throughout ; the tarsi moderate, and the toes 

 lengthened, with the anterior one united by a full web, the hind toe short 

 and not margined with a membranous lobe; the neck very long. 



Fig. ] 95.— the swan. 

 (Ci/gnns Olor.) 



These graceful birds are principally distributed 

 in the northern latitudes of Europe^ Asia, and 

 America. They appear, however, in the more genial 

 portions of these three continents during extreme 

 winters; and there are certain species peculiar to 

 the southern parts of South America. They live 

 in the lakes and rivers, in small parties of from 

 five to thirty individuals. Various fishes and aquatic 

 plants form their chief food, in seeking for which, 



