184 



BEWICK'S SWAN, (Cygnus Bewickii.) Yarrell. 



Until the year 1828, when this bird was first described by Mr. Yarrell as a distinct 

 species, under its present very appropriate name, it had been confounded with the species 

 last described; the differences which characterize it, are however so decided, that no 

 mistake of the kind should in future occur. As far as at present known, it seems to 

 visit Great Britain less frequently than the Hooper, while in Ireland it is met with 

 much more commonly than that bird. I have records of several which have occurred in 

 the neighbourhood of York; though it is certainly rare. Mr. C. St. John speaks of its 

 being not uncommon in Sutherland in winter on any of the sea locks. 



When swimming it is said to carry itself more like a Goose than the Tame Swan, and 

 when birds of this species have been slightly wounded, and placed in a pond along with 

 other Swans, it has refused to associate with them ; but readily joins a flock of Geese, 

 and remains on friendly terms with them. It is more gentle in its habits than the 

 Tame or Mute Swan, and is timid and easily frightened : it does not molest other water- 

 fowl which may be kept on the same pond with it. They are graceful in their carriage 

 on the land, which also they affect more than they do the water; contraiy, in this 

 respect, to the Tame Swan. 



It is believed to be monogamous; for one which was wounded and unable to leave 

 the pond in which it had been injured, was joined by one of the uninjured birds of the 

 same flock, which remained with it for a considerable time ; indeed until much frightened 

 by a dog, when it took its departure. 



Its note, according to Mr. Thompson, "chiefly uttered at the migratory periods, is a low 

 deep-toned whistle once repeated." 



As to its nidification, little or nothing is known. Mr: Yarrell has an egg Avhich he 

 thinks may be that of this species. "It is very like that of the Hooper, but smaller, of 

 a pale brownish white; three inches seven lines long, by two inches six lines in breadth." 



It has paired with the Black Swan, but no eggs were produced. 



In the adult the bill is black, with a somewhat oval-shaped patch of orange yellow at 

 the base, which is carried on to the eye. Irides, dark. The whole of the plumage is of 

 a pure white. The tail feathers number twenty. The legs and feet are black. 



In the young birds the plumage of the first year is brownish gray. In the second 

 year, Mr. Yarrell states, that they acquire the pure white plumage, except the head and 

 breast, which are strongly marked with rusty red. The base of the bill is of a lemon 

 yellow; the irides orange. There is however some diversity of opinion as to the rust- 

 colour on the head and breast, some thinking that they derive it from feeding among 

 weeds which stain the feathers of that colour. 



