l6 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



more angular, a wedge passing forward into the black tip 

 beyond and below the nostril. A curious optical illusion is 

 caused by the pattern of the Whooper's bill ; when the bird is 

 some distance away the black tip appears to overhang. 



The Whooper seldom arrives before November, for it is, as 

 a rule, a severe weather visitor, the conditions in its northern 

 haunts rather than those prevaiHng here regulating its appear- 

 ance. Its stay depends largely upon its reception ; undisturbed 

 birds sometimes linger until June. It is perhaps a more 

 frequent visitor to inland waters than its smaller congener. I 

 have watched it on meres when Mute Swans were present, but 

 have not seen it consort wiih them, but on the Eden at Carlisle 

 a single bird came for several years in succession, and finally 

 brought a family or companions to swim and feed with the 

 Corporation herd of Mutes. Mr. L. E. Hope records that the 

 visitors arrived at varying dates from November to February, 

 and the latest stay of the original bird was until May 8th ; 

 when the numbers had risen to seven and eight the birds left 

 in March and April. I saw these birds with the Mutes actually 

 in the town at the end of December (Plate 6). 



On the water the shy bird carries its neck stiffly erect, its 

 bill at right angles as it turns its head sharply from side to 

 side ; its wings rest flat upon its back and are not arched as 

 in the Mute. From behind the wings show like two smooth 

 cushions ; the short pointed tail is carried horizontally. When 

 the head is lowered to feed, the neck has a goose-like angle 

 and not the graceful curve of the Mute. Like other swans the 

 bird upends, submerging the head and fore parts, paddling 

 slowly to hold itself in position ; its wing tips are slightly 

 raised. The food, aquatic weeds, molluscs and other animals, 

 is mostly obtained from the bottom. When the bird rises, head 

 to wind, it flogs the water for some distance. Once under way 

 it flies with great speed and power, its neck extended, the swish 

 of its long wings producing a whistling sound quite distinct 



