84 NESTS AND EGGS OF 



are raised, and the parent carries the young to the water in her bill. 

 Twelve eggs received from Dr. Finley average 2.11x1.53, with but lit- 

 tle variation in size ; they are of the usual duck shape, and in color are 

 a rather clear yellowish-white. The birds leave in September, but a 

 few late broods are seen as late as November. The soft parts in a full 

 plumaged living male were as follows: iris, brown; bill, coral-red, 

 orange above; nail of bill, bluish; legs and feet, pinkish-white."* 



178. Dendrocygna fulva (GMEL.) [600.] 



Fulvous Tree-duck. 



Hab. Southern border of the United States: Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, California, southward. 



Resembles the last in its general appearance, habits, etc. Its 

 geographical range is chiefly within the tropics, extending as far 

 South as the Argentine Republic. Dr. Merrell states that this species 

 is about as common as the Corn-field duck in Southern Texas, both 

 species frequenting the same places. He learned nothing definite in 

 regard to its breeding habits, but they probably do not differ much from 

 those of the other bird. The Fulvous Tree-duck is said to lay from 

 ten to fifteen pure white eggs. 



[179.] Olorcygnus (LINN.) [586.] 



Whooping Swan. 



Hab. Europe and Asia; Greenland. 



In Europe this bird is called " Hooper," " Elk," and " Whistling 

 Swan." It is a winter visitant to the more southern portions of Great 

 Britain, and is found throughout the year in the Orkneys and other 

 islands north of Scotland. Known to visit Holland, France, Spain, 

 and Italy, and a few are said to penetrate as far south as Barbary and 

 even Egypt. It is of occasional occurrence in Southern Greenland. 

 Breeds in the secluded swamps and lakes up in Lapland, nesting on 

 the ground in marshy places. It also breeds in Iceland. The nest is 

 large and composed of rushes, coarse grass, and almost any material 

 near at hand. 



As many as seven eggs are laid by this species ; they are of a dull 

 brownish white, or dark ivory color, and measure 4.28 x 2.88. 



180. Olor columbianus (ORD.) [588.] 



'Whistling Swan. 



Hab. Entire of North America, breeding far north. 



The common American Whistling Swan is the smaller of the 

 North American species, measuring under five feet in length. There 

 is a small yellow spot on the bill in front of the eyes, and it is some- 

 times wanting. The tail feathers are normally twenty. This bird is 

 found in the United States in winter, and during the migrations. 



*Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas; Proceedings U. S. National Museum, Vol. I., page 169. 



