238 BRITISH SEA BIRDS. 



frequently during long-continued frost, flights of 

 ten, twenty, or more, passing in long rows, one 

 behind the other, uttering their loud clanging cries 

 as they go. The flight of this species is rapid and 

 regular, the swish swish of the long wings being 

 heard for a long distance, and the bird's long neck 

 outstretched. There are few more graceful birds 

 on the water than the Mute Swan, with its arched 

 neck and raised plumes, yet the Hooper is even 

 ungainly looking, the neck being held straight. 

 Hoopers are shy and wary birds, and generally 

 keep well out from shore, except when feeding. 

 The food of this Swan is mostly of a vegetable 

 nature, aquatic plants and grasses, but insects and 

 molluscs are also eaten. Its note sounds almost 

 like the short blast of a trumpet, uttered in 

 succession. 



The Hooper Swan breeds in the Arctic regions 

 of Europe and Asia, its favourite resorts being the 

 islands in the deltas of the great rivers that flow 

 into the northern ocean, or on the banks of the 

 great lakes on the tundras, or beside one of the 

 many creeks or inlets spreading out from the main 

 rivers. This Swan pairs for life. The huge nest 

 is composed of coarse grass and other herbage, 

 piled up on the ground, and often increased in bulk 

 as incubation proceeds. The eggs, from three to 

 seven in number, are creamy -white in colour and 

 rough in texture. 



