Family ANATID^. 

 Subfamily OYGNINiE or SWANS. 



The species forming this large family fall very naturally into 

 four fairly well-defined subfamilies. The birds included in the 

 present subfamily are distinguished from their allies by having the 

 lores (space between the eye and the bill) bare of feathers. Their 

 reticulated tarsus further distinguishes them from the Ducks, 

 whilst the shortness of that member (not so long as the middle 

 toe) is a point of distinction from the Geese. Sexes nearly alike 

 in colour. One moult in autumn. 



This subfamily is composed of seven species, probably all 

 referable to one genus. Palasarctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, and 

 AustraUan regions. 



