CATALOGUE OF CANADIAN BIRDS. riggs 
180. Whistling Swan. 
On 
W 
Olor columbianus (ORD) STEJN. 1882. 
This species is a rare and accidental visitor along the Atlantic 
coast from Newfoundland southward. It is not uncommon in 
the Gulf and River St. Lawrence and is a regular visitor on Lake 
Erie and the Great Lakes generally. Migrants have been seen or 
taken in all parts of Manitoba and westward over the prairie. 
Apparently not breeding south of the Arctic circle. 
This species breeds on the coast of the Arctic sea within the Arctic 
circle and is seen in the interior only as a migrant. (Rzchardson.) 
Whistling swans visit the western shores of Hudson bay in great 
numbers in the spring and fall, and their assembled thousands 
are said to present a beautiful and imposing spectacle during their 
semi-annual visits. The broad expanse of Churchill river near its 
mouth is a favorite place of resort. (Pyreble.) Both Nelson and 
Turner speak of this bird being a common species in Alaska. Mr. 
Turner says it migrates about the middle of October and at this 
time the migration is always to the northward from St. Michael 
and directed towards the head of Norton sound. From there it 
evidently crosses to the Yukon and passes up it to the Rocky moun- 
tains. A common migrant in British Columbia, and according to 
Fannin veryxabundant during the summer in some portions of the 
mainland interior. The young have been taken on Vancouver 
island. Brooks says that a swan, (apparently this species) winters 
in suitable localities in the Okanagan district, B.C. 
BREEDING NoTes.—Common on Southampton island, Hudson bay 
and on the flat land north of Repulse bay. They breed in low 
jands where there are lakes. Their nests, constructed of seaweed, 
grass and moss are very conspicuous. They are very bulky affairs, 
‘ about three feet in diameter at the base tapering to 18 inches at the 
top and 18 inches high. (A. P. Low.) This species builds on the 
ground and the nest usually contains five eggs; several were also 
found on the coast and islands of Liverpool and Franklin bays in 
the Arctic ocean. (Macfarlane.) The birds arrive on the coast 
singly or in small parties, and directly after scatter to their summer 
haunts. At Nulato, Dall found them laying eggs by May 21st, but 
on the sea-coast, May 30th is the earliest date I have of their eggs 
being taken. Dall states that they lay two eggs, but this must 
