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FAMILY ANATID^.— THE SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS. 



Of the family Anatidae we have in Ontario a very large representation, for 

 birds of this group are generally most numerous in the northern portions of the 

 earth, hence Ontario, on account of her great extent northward toward their 

 breeding grounds, comes in for a large share of them. The representatives of this 

 family of birds in North America may, for convenience, be divided into threa 

 groups, viz. : — 



The Cygninse, or Swans. 

 The Anserinse, or Geese. 

 The Anatinse, or Ducks. 



Of the sub-family Cygninge or swans there are two varieties which inhabit 

 America, the Olor Columbianus or Whistling swan, and the Olor Buccinator or 

 Trumpeter swan. 



