A Pioneer History of Becker County. 165 
where there chances to he open water. They are of little 
or no value as game birds. 
35. Ruddy Duck (Brismatura jamaicensis). 
This curious little duck with its spike-like tail is a com¬ 
mon bird in reedy, marshy lakes, and nests commonly 
about their margins, floating its bulky nest among the 
rushes and cat-tails. It is an expert diver and generally 
adopts this method of escape when hard pressed, after 
the manner of grebes. 
36. Lesser Snow Goose, White Brant (Chen hyperborea). 
Formerly an abundant species in the prairie regions, ap¬ 
pearing from the north in late fall in vast flocks; now, 
much reduced in numbers. 
The Blue Goose (Chen cocrulescens ) may occur as a 
straggler during migration. 
37. White-fronted Goose (Anscr albifrons ganibeli). 
An arctic-breeding species that may occur rarely during 
migrations. 
38. Canada Goose, “Honker" (Branta canadensis ). 
A common migrant spring and fall and formerly a reg¬ 
ular breeder in the prairie regions, but now rarely, if ever, 
found during the summer. 
The Hutchin’s Goose and the Cackling Goose, varieties 
of the Canada Goose, probably occur during the spring 
and fall migrations. The true Brant (Branta bcrnicla) 
is rarely if ever found in Minnesota, despite the many 
records to the contrary. The Snow Goose is so universally 
known among sportsmen by the name of Brant, that it 
has led to much confusion in statements regarding these 
birds. 
39. Whistling Swan (Olor columbianus ). 
40. Trumpeter Swan (Olor buccinator ). 
Of these two species the Whistling Swan breeds in the 
far north and is only found in Minnesota during migra¬ 
tions and is then an uncommon bird. 
The Trumpeter Swan formerly bred commonly from 
Iowa northward, as evidenced by the many bodies of water 
named after this bird. Now few, if any, remain to breed 
within our territory. Small parties of the latter species are 
still to be found, however, during the migratory seasons. 
