﻿WHISTLING SWAN. 63 



The manner of feeding in this species is peculiar ; it not 

 only seeks for its food by preference in shallow water, but it 

 turns up the boggy ground in order to obtain roots and 

 worms ; to such an extent is this done, that where a number 

 of these birds congregate, the ground is perfectly broken up. 

 The grain before-named consists of barley and oats, 

 and the fruit, plums in particular; it is therefore to be 

 supposed that it feeds also on berries, in its northern local- 

 ities. 



The countries mentioned, in which the Whistling Swan 

 chiefly breeds, are Finland, Siberia, Iceland, and Hudson's 

 Bay ; as well as Sweden, Denmark, and some of our 

 northern islands, including Orkney and Shetland. The 

 places chosen are bogs and swamps. About the middle of 

 March the preparations for breeding commence, when young 

 birds choose their mates for life ; soon after the nests are 

 constructed, which very much resemble those of the mute 

 swan, but are invariably placed on the ground in spots where 

 man cannot obtain footing ; each pair keeps its chosen 

 ground free from intruders, while frequently terrible battles 

 ensue. 



The number of eggs varies from five to seven. The 

 eggs are about the same size as those of the mute swan, 

 but more blunt at the ends, smoother in texture, and of a 

 paler green colour. 



The entire length of the Whistling Swan amounts to four 

 feet six, or four feet ten inches. The wing from the carpal 

 joint to the tip, twenty-four inches and a half; weight 

 twenty-five pounds. 



The entire plumage is white ; the tip of the beak and 

 edges black ; the rest of the beak, lore around the eyes, and 

 the fleshy part of the under mandible, gold yellow ; the eyes 

 brown ; the legs and feet are greyish-black. 



VOL. VI. G 



