52 ANSERES: Lamellirostral Swimmers 



WHISTLING SWAN 



(180. Cygnus columbianus) 4-5 feet. 



Any description of this species seems superfluous, since it 

 differs none in plumage from the birds seen in every park and 

 zoological garden, where it is often domesticated. The shape of 

 the bill, however, is very different from that of the Mute Swan 

 of Europe also common in parks. 



Young have head and neck brown washed; body and wings 

 washed with gray. 



The Whistling Swan, existing now as a mere remnant of its 

 species, and its even larger relative, the Trumpeter, nearly or 

 quite extinct, are in point of weight the largest of North 

 American game-birds. 



Records of two hundred years ago tell of their great numbers 

 in the eastern United States. Through their conspicuous size and 

 color they met persecution on every hand ; and with increase of 

 population and perfection of firearms the wild Swan is now rare 

 with the probability of extinction not far in the future. 



