79 



Distinctions. Only to be mistaken for the previous, which see. 



Field Marks. Size and complete whiteness; the two Swans cannot be separated 

 with certainty in life. 



Nesting. On ground, in nest of grasses and down. 



Distribution. A bird of the interior, breeding from the central of the northern tier 

 of states northward. 



Any Swan over 56 inches in length or over 20 pounds in weight is 

 probably of this species. It was at one time a fairly common bird on the 

 Great Lakes, but now is so rare as to be regarded as nearly or quite extinct 

 there. Its breeding range, being considerably south of that of the Whistling 

 Swan and well into what is now fully occupied farming territory, is prob- 

 ably the cause of its rapid extermination. 



Order Herodiones. Deep Water Waders. 



General Description. Usually large birds with long legs, neck, and bill, fitted for 

 wading and obtaining food below the surface in rather deeper water than the majority of 

 waders. Bills may be either straight and sharp (Figure 18, p. 21) or gently curved 

 and blunt as in the Ibises. Legs are bare for a considerable distance above the heel joint 

 and all four toes are perfect, "well-shaped, and adapted for perching as well as walking 

 on soft ground and with only small rudimentary webs or none (Figure 17, p. 21). 



Distinctions. Birds of this order may be mistaken for either Cranes or one of the 

 Shore-birds (Curlews). From the Cranes they can be distinguished by their feathered 

 forehead . The Wood Ibis combines bare forehead and curved bill, but is of only possible 

 occurrence in Canada. From any shore birds they can be distinguished by the bare 

 space between the eye and the base of the bill. 



The Canadian forms of the order are divided into two suborders: 

 Ibides including Spoonbills and Ibises; and Herodii including Herons, 

 Egrets, and Bitterns. 



SUBORDER IBIDES. IBISES. 



This suborder includes two families: Spoonbills which do not occur 

 in Canada, and Ibididoe, only one of which occurs in the Dominion and that 

 rarely. 



FAMILY IBIDID.E. IBISES. 



General Description. Birds with long, decurved bill quite blunt at the point and 

 the upper mandible grooved throughout its length. 



Distinctions. Curved, blunt, and deeply grooved bill is characteristic. Claw of the 

 middle toe may be broadened and roughened at the edge, but is not perfectly pectinate 

 or furnished with well-formed comb-like teeth as in the heron-like Waders of the suborder 

 Herodii (Compare with Figure 19, p. 21). 



There is only one of these birds, the Glossy Ibis, that may be found 

 in Canada and that only as a casual straggler. 



186. Glossy Ibis. BLACK CURLEW. Plegadis autumnalis. L, 24. Practically an all 

 black bird with chestnut, green, and purple reflections. Juvenile is brown with head 

 feathers slightly margined with light and with greenish reflections elsewhere. 



Distinctions. The Glossy Ibis looks much like a large Curlew, but its almost black 

 or very dark coloration will distinguish it from the Curlew with ease. Its grooved bill 

 (see previous family description) otherwise differentiates it. 



Nesting. In reedy swamps or low bushes. 



Distribution. Tropical and subtropical regions. 



The Ibis is well known by name as one of the sacred birds of ancient 

 Egypt, and as such is familiar to every general reader. The Glossy Ibis 



