LIST AND DESCRIPTION 59 



SUB FAMILY CYGNIN^. SWANS 



The Swan is the largest of the Family Anatidae, and is 

 hardly considered a game bird. It has a very graceful form and is 

 largely used in a semi-domesticated state in parks and private 

 bird preserves. Only two species are found in America. The 

 Trumpeter Swan is practically extinct, probably only a few speci- 

 mens remaining in captivity. 



180. Whistling Swan (Olor columbianus.) 



Length about fifty-five inches; all white except bill and 

 feet, which are black ; yellow spot in front of eyes ; nostrils nearer 

 to tip of bill than eyes. Breeds within the Arctic Circle; rare, 

 but a few are reported in migration from the State each year. 



181. Trumpeter Swan (Olor buccinator.) 



Very similar in color to the Whistling Swan but larger, 

 and no yellow spot before the eyes. The nostrils about midway 

 between eyes and tip of bill. 



This beautiful bird nested in South Dakota in the eighties 

 but no specimen has been seen for several years and it is be- 

 lieved to be nearly extinct 



FAMILY ARDEID^. BITTERNS AND HERONS 



190. Bittern (Botaurus lentig'inosus.) "Thvxder Pumper," 

 "Shitepoke." 



A very common summer resident, especially in the high 

 grassy sloughs of the eastern part of the State, where it nests 

 and makes its home. It stands about eighteen inches high and 

 feeds principally on frogs. At times, when seemingly trying to 

 evade detection, it stands erect with bill pointing skyward. As- 

 sisted by the resemblance of its plumage to surroundings it thus 

 secures protection from its enemies. This bird, however, would 

 seem to need no protection. It is not hunted for food by man, 

 and we have never known it to be eaten by Hawk, .Owl, or 

 coyote. Surely any flesh-eating animal or bird would be near 

 to starvation before eating a Bittern. Body very small for size 

 of bird ; head small ; black patch extending down sides of neck ; 

 back and sides buff and brown mixed; lighter underneath. 



