10 WEST VIRGINIA [W. VA. 



Geog. Dist. Temperate North America. 



W. Ya. Dist. A rather common migrant. 



Xest Breeds in northern U. S. and British provinces. 



Food Vegetable matter of different kinds, 



180. Whistling Swan (Olor columbianus) . This large white bird 

 must always be distinguished from the Trumpeter Swan which is a 

 much rarer bird. 



Geog. Dist. Xorth America. 



W. Ya. Dist. This species has been taken at Buckhannon, Ronce- 

 verte, and at other points in West Virginia. Mr. Wm. D. Doan, who 

 wrote Bull. Xo. 3 of the West Virginia Expt. Sta., "The Birds of 

 West Virginia", records the species from this state. 



Xests Xests on shores of the Arctic Ocean. 



Food Vegetable matter, with some small aquatic animals. 



190. American Bittern (Botaurus- lentiginosus) . One specimen. 

 The rich coloring of this fine bird should be especially noticed. Mr. 

 Bradford Torrey says, "The Bittern's fame rests upon its vocal per- 

 formance, or 'boom' ". 



Geog. Dist. Temperate Xorth America.. 



W. Va. Dist. The American Bittern has been seen and taken in 

 many sections of West Virginia. 



Xest Mr. T. Z, Atkeson says, "A common summer resident ; breed- 

 ing in 'suitable localities in different parts of the state." I have never 

 found the nest of this bird. 



Food Small aquatic animals. 



191. Least Bittern (Ardetta exilis). A pair of these small bitterns 

 is in our collection. In life they are strange in appearance and 

 stranger still in their actions. 



Geog. Dist. Temperate and tropical America. 



W. Va. Dist. The Morgan brothers say, "Common, and have caught 

 several alive." Mr. Eifrig has reported this species from the Potomac 

 River valley. 



Xest Builds its nest in marshy places. Breeds in eastern U. S. 



Food Snails, slugs, frogs, and other aquatic animals. 



194. Great Blue Heron (Ardea he-radios). An old bird and a 

 young one in the collection show the difference in the plumage of 

 adult and young. This is the species that is so frequently called 



