A/. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 4 /. {./ <" c^x ^s^ w. '^■ i?.' 1.0 I.I 11.25 L4 If: ilM Mi 1^ S 1^ liiio M 2.2 1.6 <^ W - /a 7 'c^l ''? 7 /!^ <^ 4^ V \\ 4> ^>"\ ^\ C-Px f ^. b ^n CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIH^^^IC[^/IH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 Technical Notes / Notes techniques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Physical features of this copy which may alter any of the images in the reproduction are checked below. n Coloured covers/ Couvertures de couleur Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a dt6 possible de se procurer. Certains ddfauts susceptibles de nuire d la quality de la reproduction sont notds ci-dessous. 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The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —►(meaning CONTINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de I'exemplaire filmd, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la der~ nidre image de chaque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ', le symbole V signifie "FIN". The original copy was borrowed from, and filmed with, the kind consent of the following institution: National Library ef Canada L'exemplaire filmd fut reproduit grdce d la g6n6rositd de Idtablissement prdteur suivant : Bibliothdque nationale du Canada Maps or pieces too large to be entirely included in one Qxposu.e are filmed beginning in the upper l«ft hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour dtre reproduites en un seul clich§ sont film^es d partir de Tangle supdrieure gauche, de gauche d droite et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Le diagramme suivant illustre la mdthode : 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 mimmi'immiamimmiihiiiMMMW'f^^^^ i !!MHSl-::^.i;J"-l'*W THE WILD FOWL OF THE UNITED STATES AND BRITISH POSSESSIONS r«mmar.r,-fT^i:H^j^iUkW!'."".ai^ 'fifmmi h'wK^iUi ^'iW--Tf '■'??* ^Lviiiiii.'iiii'fi'f-'ii Wfftf»m»«-r!T»*ri--*w- *»-■■-. t , » , r I c .iin»s*2!SiPt'' /liijiLghiiKiitiiUUiLti-^lHi'frtfiihWtifJri/iHli f .* ' , \ ' ! I I :■, i f : ,' ^•Sirv * ^ "v . ^ ■\ :■ ''''.i;-' .-.S' ■ ' 1 • !•. . r r ->!• -, ( v.-; •I l.r • .. r;.-, ' " ■ / /• ir;n-; ' ', ■ ■■ 1 1' I'll H ^^■' I- ' ■■■' , u>i,jr '■■ •> . - .. r. , / r J'/ : /■/;;. 1 ' r ' * i • IMP #' ^ •M> 'j'-^r'fff;^;'. -^ . » • ' I » I • • . • i^s^^^iii T f^ n WILD FOWL OK riiK UNITED STATES AM) BRITISH POSSESSIONS OR THIC SWAN, GEESE, DUCKS, AND MERGANSERS OF NORTH AMERICA WITH ACCOUNTS OF TIIFIR II.MUTS, NESTING, MIGRA- TIONS, AND DISPERSIONS, TOGETHER WITH DESCRIP- TIONS OF THE ADULTS AND YOUNG, AND KEYS FOR THE READY IDEN'l IFICATION f)F THE SPECIES A book for the Sportsman, and for those desirous of knowing bow to distinguish these web-footed birds and to learn their ways in their native wilds 1 BY DANIEL GlkAUD 1-1 1 io'l. K K. S. E., vtc. Ex- President of the Avierican Ornitholof^tsts'' Union Author of the Ne-M and Heretofore Unf^ured Firds of North America: of the Illustrated Monographs of the Ant Thrushes (editions rSbj and iSqj), Grouse, Pheasants, Birds of Paradise, Hornbills, Cats, etc.: of the Classification and Synopsis of the Tro- chilidcc : of the Shore Birds, and Gallinaceous Game Birds of North America . of Wolf's Wild Animals, etc., etc. WITH SIXTY-THREE PLATES NEW YORK FRANCIS \\ HARPER f0^ \»«! . * . • • • • • '• • • 4 • •'! Ill • • • • • >■" Eiaat^HBMH "■'^'"■'imj^m'i'f^m'^'i'iiiKmmmmmimii / 'V // 200.9S0 Copyright, iSgS, BY FRANCIS P. HARPER. /r/^ ! ! »• • • • » >• • •• ••• • • • .* . I . ;( ftm^iiiiim 3TJwjW?5H?»Hn]3»n* : • fi I I ;( i THE AUTUMN FLKJIIT. I'rom the stroiij^holds of tlie North Wlicii the Ice-Kin;.^ marches forth, Thu SoutluMMi lands to harry with his host; The fowl with elaii;^' and cry Uoini' spec'dinj;' tlirouv;h the- sk\-, And steering for the shelters on onr oast 1 hear the swish and swing" Of the lleetly moving- wing, I see the forms drawn faintly 'gainst the sky, As the rush of featlii'red legions i'rom ont the frozen regions, Sail onward 'neath the silent stais on high. Like a elond that's borne along l?v a mighty wind, and strong, Then parting, disappears in vapor light, 'Hiey glide o'er lake and sea O'er monntain, moor, and lea, And, passing swiftly, vanish in the night. They seek a snnny clime, A land of blooms and thyme, The tramiuil surface ronnd the southern Key. A home of peace and rest On the friendly water's breast. Of lake, or llowing river, or the murmuring sea, The gently heaving bosom of the sea. VI "WWWPPWWWW PREFACE. TiiK Swaii, (leosc, and Ducks naturally become the subjects for the third xoluine oi what may be called the series, or triK)L;y of "' Xorth American Game i)irds." While eng"a^ed upon iliis book, 1 felt tiiat I was writini; the history of a rapidly vanishini;- race, whose serried hosts, at a time not far distant, were spread over the entire lenj^lh and breadth of the continent as they wini^ed their swift tlii^ht in the aiuiual migrations. lUit inces- sant persecution and urn^estrained slaughter have l)een waged against these fowl, in all manner of ways: by kill- ing the mated birds in the spring on their way to the breeding grounds, by rol)l)ing the nests, by murdering the young perhaps even unable to fly, and by continued shooting during their southern journey and in their win- ter residence — until to-day but a renmant is left of the myriad fowl that at one time fairly darkened the air with their might) legions. And although it is apparent to all, save those who will not see, that only a brief period can elapse, if the same conditions continue. l)efore. like the i)uf¥alo, our Water Jm)w1 w ill mostly disappear, yet little is done to save them from destruction, and the ruthless slaughter goes gayly on. lm])rovcd firearms of all kinds and devices of every sort to reduce their numbers, each one more dangerous and efYective than its predecessor, are continually being introduced, and there is hardly a spot all over our broad land where a wild Uuck or (loose can rest a moment in vu vni PREFA CE. i peace. From the time the birds leave the frozen North- land, until the survivors return to it again in the ensuing year, the hunted fowl run the gantlet of a nation in arms; and no sooner do they pass the boundaries of the land they seek in the spring for the purpose of reproduction, than the natives continue the slaughter of the birds until they depart for southern climes. Is it any wonder that their numbers are diminishing; is it not rather a wonder that so many are left? Doubtless these fowl are one of the important means for sustaining the lives of those who exist in Arctic solitudes, but the natives, before they were taught the white man's ways, carried on no war of exter- mination, and the number of the invading army did not diminish, as is proved by the myriads that once entered the United States every autumn. Ikit now, provided with modern firearms, in place of the spear and the bow and arrow, the savages slay the birds not alone for their own consumption, but also to supply the demands of commerce and of fashion, while the eggs are collected by boatloads in order that certain pursuits may be made more profitable. By such mischievous methods the mis- guided inhabitants of the Arctic regions are destroying one of their own means of existence, and joining with civilized man in southern climes, to hasten the extermi- nation of the race. Few families of birds have more admirers than that of the Anatidse, and in the early autumn the Honk of the Goose, or the whistling wings of the advancing army of Ducks, heard overhead at night as they arrive from the North, cause many an eye to glisten, and many a pulse to beat faster throughout the land. Duck-shooting has a host of votaries, — perhaps no kind of field sport has so many, — who follow it enthusiastically in spite of its often attendant hardships and exposures. nW!'*')'!' PREFACE. IX I This volume is arranji^cd (Mi the same plan as those of the "Shore Birds" and " ( )allinaceous Ciame ]3irds." now pretty familiar to my readers. The species, how- ever, which are contained in this book are fairly well known to most people, at all events the males are; but as the females of different kinds often resemble each other closely, I have endeavored in the Keys, when necessary, to draw comparisons between them and call attention to their most marked characteristics. In the arrano-ement of the Family, occasionally in the selection of genera necessary to designate the different groups, and in cer- tain cases also, in the choice of specific names, as well as in the general disposition of the species, I have found myself obliged to depart widely from the method adopted in the A. O. U. Check List, which seems in a great degree to have been constructed without sufificient consideration of the affinities the North American Anatidse might pos- sess to the exotic members of the Family. Of course no natural arrangement is possible, for none exists, but I have endeavored to bring together those groups which were most in accord and produce a proper order of suc- cession, although fully aware that gaps occur. Xo birds vary more, even if as much, in their relative dimensions, as do the members of this family. Not only is there great divergence among the species of a genus, but also even among those which are members of the same species. In fact it is not easy to find any two Ducks or Geese which are exactly alike in all their measurements. To ascertain how great these differences arc, it is only necessary to consult Mr. Ridgway's " Manual," when it will be seen that for a large proportion of these birds an average measurement is given, instead of an exact one, and I have found so much variation existing that in many cases, when the dimension of a species is recorded, I 'M PR/: FACE. I. Ill I have been compelled to ciualify it with the word, " about." IJearing this fact in mind, therefore, I consider it most unwise and injudicious to create even a. subspecies whose only character is that of size, especially when it is attempted to separate birds of different lands which are so exactly alike as not to be distini^uished apart until the tape-line is applied, and even then the test fails at times, as they are often found to be of the same dimen- sions. It will be observed, then, that in certain cases I have not recognized such so-called subspecies or allied forms, believing that, should 1 do so, 1 would only con- fuse my reader and perplex any student conscientiously desirous of stuilying specific relationships. The fact that a species is found in luirope and America is no reason whatever that the sj^ecimens from the two hemispheres must be specifically, subspecifically. or in any other de- gree separable, simply because they come from different localities. Yet it would seem that in certain cases some writers were convinced that such must be the fact. A comparatively slight difference in size alone, however, is utterly unrelial)le as a distinguishing character, and should receive little consideration, save when accom- panied by other and more important distinctions. In the Appendix will be found Keys to the Subfamilies. Genera, and Species, and such critical remarks as more properly find there a place. The Author has studied the Anatid^e for many years, and he has with but few exceptions met all the s]X'cies mentioned in this book in their native wilds, and the ac- counts given of their habits are derived from his own ob- servation. The majority nest in places not difficult of iccess. but for a history of the ways, in the breeding sea- .son, of the few species that are then fcnmd only in the far (fl}iffl(B^K«)»«Wi»Bf»m!»!M{ttWBl»i PREFACE. XI Arctic regions, the Antlior has relied upon the naturalists who have had opportunities of observing them in those distant localitit.;. The position and names of the feathers of the Wild Fowl do not differ from those of other ])irds, and they can readily be ascertained from the plate given in the " Shore Birds " which serves the purpose of an ex- planatory map. The drawings of a considerable number of the species were made by the Author at a time when he was contemplating another work on the Water Fowl, and these have been reduced by Mr. Edwin Sheppard to the proper dimensions for this book. Four are reduced copies of paintings made by the great artist Joseph Wolf, for the Author's work on the " Birds of North America." The remainder of the plates have been drawn by Mr. Sheppard, who illustrated the two previous books of this series, and these exhibit the same care and fidelity in their execution as characterize the plates in those volumes. For the loan of specimens from which the drawings by Mr. Sheppard have been made, I am indebted to my friends Mr. R. Ridgway. Curator of Birds in the National Museum. Washington, and Mr. Witmer Stone, Curator of Ornithology in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadeli)hia, to whom I desire to express my thanks for their assistance. In classifying the various groups of the Anatidae it is of slight moment whether one begins with the so-called highest or lowest form, naturalists having not yet agreed upon this point, although it would seem advisable in the construction of a pyramid to begin at the botiom and not at the top. In the arrangement of the genera and species in this book, however, I have reversed the order in the Check List of the American Ornithologists' I'nion, because I desired to begin with the most important msmsss^h^'-*- xn PREFACE. species of the Water Im)\\1. and ihcrefoie coinnience with the Swan instead of the Mcrj^ciisers. In this anrj, niorplic, form). The family is divided into several subfamilies, the number varying according to the views an ornithologist may have as to their necessity, but never less than five, viz.: CvGNiNyE, Swau ; Anserine, Geese; Anatin^, Fresh-Water Ducks; Fi't.igulin/E, Sea Ducks, and MergiN/E, Mergansers. In this book the subfamilies are seven, as, in addition to those just named, there have been adopted, Plectropterix.e, in which, among sev- eral other species all exotic, is included the genus yEx represented in North America by our beautiful Wood Duck (and which in most lists is placed far from its ap- parently true position), and Erismaturin.e, containing the spine- or stifF-tail ducks. In addition to these there are four other subfamilies; Anseranatin^, Cereop- sintE, Chenoxettix.e, and Merganettin^, whose species are all exotic to this continent. These eleven subfamilies possess something like two hundred species, about sixty of which are found in North America. A conspicuous feature of these birds is a hard bony expansion at the end of the bill, occasionally occu- pying the whole tip and frequently bent over, forming a xvii mm^„.M"i^ XVWl /.\'7'A'0DrC//(KV. liook. Tliis is calli'd tin- nail, ulieiici- llic l-'aniily is sonictiMus naiiK'd I 'xcl'IUostrks. (Latin I'lunis, nail, and rostrum, l)eak). The Anatin/K and the (Iali.inM': are pri)hahly. to tliose who arc not ornitlioloj^-ist*, the most familiar of the feath- ered creatures. Like the (lalUnaceous i)irds, the Water Fowl hear a very inijxjrtant relatit)n to man. as tliey are the source of all domesticated races of \veb-fe)oteil birds, and they provide one of the chief means of sub- sistence to the inhabitants of boreal rej^ions, Amonj;' civilized people they arc rej^arded also as of ^reat value from an ec(jnomic point of view. I'sually these birds have a i^tout. full, rather heavy body, with a moderate or short neck (exceedingly lon^ in the Swan), short k\i;s, placed posteriorly in most in- stances, and [generally hidden in the body feathers half- way to the heel, with the tarsus covered wdth scutellate or reticulate scales, sometimes with both, as in Di:xi)R()- cv(;na; feet palmated. hind toe simple or lobcd; oil j^land present, and a lar^e and fleshy tonpi'ue. Rill various in shape, from broad and flat, which is i)erhaps most usual, to lonj^ and very narrow. Lamellae (plates or toothlike processes inside edge of bill), are frecpiently present, sometimes exceedingly prominent, nimicrous, and close together, and vary from those like the teeth of a fine comb suitable for sifting ooze, etc., to a rather coarse hooklike form, pointing backward to prevent the escape of any prey that may have been seized. The sternum is broad and rather long, with a notch on each side, and sometimes the keel is hollowed out for the reception of the windpipe. This organ exhibits curious modifications in the various species. In some of the Swan it enters a hollow in the sternum, doubles on itself, forming a coil, and then emerges, passing onward to tw^wasif^^! sMiMa:ikiiii INTIWDUCTIOX. XIX )se ine rse pe the lunS- I'l certain sj)eeK's of (ieese it forms a coil be- tween the skin and breast muscles; and in a larj^^e num- I>er of the Ducks and Merj^ansers, several lower rinj^s of the trachea are united tojj^ether and enlarp^ed, i)roducinf; a cai)sule in the throat. These convoluted win(lj)ipes in- crease the volume of tlu' Noicc. as in the case of the Trumpeter Swan, and in numbers of other h\'m;ilies the twistinp^ and windiuLj- of this origan are carried to an ex- treme within the breast bone, as is seen in the W hoopinjjj Crane {Gvus inner iraiia) and other species. The wings vary in shape and in comparative leni;th to the body. Some species have these very short, and they are moved with threat rapidity, sometimes appear- ing devoid of outline so swift is their action, and their possessors go buzzing through the air more like insects than birds. Again the wings are long and pointed, and when the bird is flying are moved more slowly. Most of the Anatiihe. however, are rai)id flyers, and even large species like Swan and ( Ieese. although their flight may appear labored, proceed with much speed. The plumage is dense and consists of a coating of down next to the skin, protected by the overlapping outer feathers, affording a very warm covering. Alost of the species have a subdued coloring, but some are arrayed in a gorgeous dress of many hues, frerpiently exhibiting the brilliancy of metallic iridescence. The tail is of va- rious shapes, rounded, cuneate, or with the median pair of feathers moderately or greatly elongated. The bills also vary greatly, from those that are broad, low, and flat, through a shape short, high at base, and rather pointed at tip, to one long, narrow-, hooked, and serrated. The bill is covered by a skin, which in the Swan extends to the eye, leaving the lores bare. The sternum or breast bone being broad and flat with little or no keel, the pectoral %^0^ s« XX iNTHoDCcrrox. I nuisclcs arc conscHiucnlly wide hut not deep, differing in this respect from galHnaceous hirds.vvhicli have a larp^e keel to the sternum, and correspondingly deep hrcast muscles. As 1 have already mentioned, the economic importance of the species of the Axatid.e is very great, and fortu- nately therefore their broods are large, and their num- bers, although very much lessened in past years by constant slaughter, are fairly maintained in some portions of the continem. Of course, among so many kinds there is a great diversity in the {|uality of the flesh, and while some are eagerly sought for their high excellence there are others of which little can be said in praise. Those species that subsist upon rank grasses or animal sub- stances are usually impregnated with the flavor of their food, and therefore not greatly desired for the table. Of these may be enumerated many of the Sea Ducks, some Geese, and the Ixlergansers. The birds of this Family place their nests (which are mostly formed of feathers and lined with down, plucked from the breast of the female), in the majority of cases upon the ground, but some build amid the branches of trees or occupy hollows in the trunk, and a few even seek holes in the banks, near streams. The eggs number from eight to twenty, are without markings, and vary in color from white to pale green. The young run and swim as soon as they escape from the shell, either seeking the water themselves, or else, as in the case of those hatched in a tree, are carried to it in the bill of the female. She incubates the eggs and cares for the young, in certain species the male assist- ing, in watching over tlie brood; but generally the males are very remiss in these duties, and, especially among the Sea Ducks, frequently desert the females after incubation commences, and go away by themselves, forming a 'i Itf - "r:;"H"tymr«tm#]gt*fr'l*; LI wIl kjiUW filaiffiitiia iNTRODUCTIOh'. XXI group of idle fellows, whose only idea of life is amuse- ment and sustenance. Between the sexes of the Ducks and Mergansers great difference in the color of the plumage is observable, males and females rarely resembling each other either in the hues or markings of their feathers, but among the Swan and Geese the sexes are similar. One characteris- tic mark of many species of Ducks is the speculum, or conspicuous spot on the wing formed by the coloration, often metallic, of the terminal portion of the secondaries. This sometimes serves to identify the species, especially in the case of the female and is frequently of brilliant hues in both sexes, though brighter always in the male. The various groups into which the Family has been divided are closely united, and although there are many artificial sections easily recognized among tliem, known as genera, yet all the species are more or less nearly re- lated, and the T^amily is a very compact one, and easily distinguished from all others. The Wild Fowl are migratory: some, indeed the great majority, — comprising all those breeding in boreal regions, — pass over an immense extent of the continent twice a year, spring and autumn. On such occasions they proceed in great flocks, usually some veteran bird^ leading the wav, guided by the experience derived from travels of many years. The large species, Swan and Geese, journey in a V-shaped formation; Ducks also fre- quently adopt this same method, but they often also travel in a curved line, occasionally even all abreast. This last formation is not continued for any great dis- tance. The few species inhabiting the temperate por- tions of North America, and which breed there, make very brief migrations, if indeed any at all. North America at one time probably contained more Wild Fowl I XXll lyTKODUCTIOX. than any other country (^f the ^101)0, and even in the recollection of some living, the birds came down from the Northland during the autunui in numbers that were incredible, ])romising a continuance of the race forever. I have myself seen great masses of Ducks, and also of Geese, rise at one time from the water in so dense a cloud as to obscure the sky, and every suitable water-covered spot held some member of the Family throughout our limits. Rut those great armies of Wild Fowl will be seen no more in our land, only the survivors of their broken ranks. Let these, then, have the protection which is their due, and our advantage and profit to accord; stop all spring shooting within our borders, a time when the birds not only are usually poor in flesh, but are mated and journeying northward in obedience to the command, "be fruitful and multiply"; frown down all such bar- barous customs as " killing for count," and then, with the impartial enforcement of the laws upon all the people, a remnant at least of our noble Water Fowl may be pre- served to future generations. I i r.* i ^m^mmmmmm^' I' t < < < C 1 II I - 1 < !^: 1;; wit, \im Is CO b/3 4 i ! A ,!TOWH«Hit»!ysr!?)r,-i!3fj,-,,(~>fr,^j,trt|t|(t^«HR^ ^-ii^l' WATER FOWL. WHISTLIXG SWAN. CO 73 /^ F the two species of Swan indigenous to North ^^^ America, the present one is the smaller and more widely dispersed. It ranj^cs in the northern portions of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Arctic regions south to California on the west, and to the Carolinas on the east coast, being very abundant in winter in Currituck Sound, North Carolina. It is also found in the ^Mississippi N'alley south to the Gulf of Mex- ico, and is common in Galveston Bay, Texas, It breeds on both sides of the mountains in the xA.rctic regions; in the interior chi( fly, if it stops short of the Arctic Ocean, but if not, then on the coast and contiguous islands of that sea. It nests in the marshes at the mouth of the Yukon, and also along that great river above the Delta, and on the shores about St. Michael's. On the Alaskan coast by the Arctic Sea this Swan is rare, and it is not found in any of the islands, nor on the Siberian shore of Behring Sea, but is met with on the far western islands of the Aleutian chain, though it does not breed on any of them. This species arrives near the mouth of the Yukon the latter part of April or beginning of May, coming down the river from the interior, and not along the coast from the south, and as they return the same way, it is sujiposed they cross the mountains near the head waters of this *W^^^;,^% ^ r, ' i so WATER FOWL. Stream. The nest is placed upon an island in some small lake, or on its borders, it is a large structure — some- times six feet long, four and a half wide, and two high, — composed of grass, dead leaves, moss, and other rubbish. The eggs are pure white or fulvous, and the number seems to vary from one to six, but I should imagine the latter to be very exceptional, or else there must be a great mortality among the cygnets, as it is unusual in winter to see a pair of these birds accompanied by more than two young. The eggs usually lie hidden in the moss, artfully concealed by the female. By the last of June the young are hatched, and are led by the parents to the nearest water, and soon after the adults moult, when many are killed by the natives, who spear the defenseless birds unable to fly, and sometimes capture them alive. Toward the last of September they gather in flocks, and by the second week in October all have departed for southern waters. While on their journey to and from their winter quar- ters, this Swan deserts the coasts and proceeds inland, traveling at a great height and making long flights with- out halting. The migrating host from the far north, on entering the United States, separates into three divisions: the western keeping to the Pacific slopes, the center to the valley of the Mi-f«issippi (where the species is much more rare than the Trumpeter Swan), and the remainder, or eastern flank, bearing away to the broad waters of the Chesapeake and the sounds of North Carolina. The flocks are strung out in long, divergent lines, headed by some sagacious old bird, whose powerful wings beat the air, and break a passage, so to speak, for those that fol- low. Whenever he becomes fatigued by this extra labor, he utters a note that seems to be well understood by the others, and falling out of line, his place is supplied ? •*t?fj«««rifWi)*t«st^?«p»fpfl^9B^;. IVI//STI.IXG SIVA.V. 21 I ;l by another; the late leader takiiii;- a position l)ack in the ranks. Before alightinp^, tiic ground and water l)eneath them are carefully examined for any hidden foe. and after the leader is satisfied that all is right, with graceful curves, and easy sailings on their great wings, the birds alight upon the water and commence to feed. This Swan makes its appearance on the Atlantic coast about the beginning of Xovember. It is rare north of the Chesapeake, but very numerous on the littoral waters of Xorth Carolina, and appar- ently is more al)undant there every year. They arrive in small flocks, succeeding each other on some days in rapid succession; ]3assing at times over the beach, again over the ocean, or the water inside the beach. They fly usually at a considerable height, and the beat of their great wings is so short as to give these the appearance of being almost moiionless. The black feet extend beyond the tail, and with the long neck stretched out to its fullest extent, the great l)irds survey the landscape beneath them. Occasionally the peculiar flageolet-like note is uttered by the leader, the syllables sounding something like ]Vhd, zcho-ii'hcK in a very high key, and this being responded to by other members of the flock, a chorus of weird sounds from out the upper air floats downward to the ear of the watcher below. Beautiful indeed, the splendid birds appear, sail- ing onward in the blue sky, the bright rays of a midday sun glancing from their immaculate plumage, causing it to glisten with the sheen of burnished silver, or, if the birds are passing directly overhead, the light streaming through the feathers of the wings reflects on the under side and also on the body, a glow like the faint blush on the petals of a rose. With redoubled cries the glad birds welcome the well-known waters of their winter home, mfsmmi^"^ 22 \VA ■/'/■: h' rowL. and gradually lowfring themselves from their lofty alti- tudes, turn lieann" l»t?;*-3j»fTr, S«i^-Mjv-»sijj.cg,'5?;j.!}|«|»HSf,>-,^<^. 1 wmsri.TXG sir AX. »$ " And now 'twas like all instruments, Now like a lonely tlute; And now it is an angel's song Which makes the heavens be mute," and as the sound was borne to us. mellowed by the dis- tance, we stood astonished, and cotild only exclaim, " We have heard the sonj]^ of the i)()sc would Uv tlu- average limit <»f the bird's existence. This species loves to keep near the shores of marshes and islands, and is fre(|Uently seen standing on the bank dressing its feathers. This habit is taken advantage of by the gunner, who selects a day when the wind is blow- ing hard, and landing upon the opposite side of the marsh or island on which the birds are standing, and availing himself of the shelter of the reeds, creeps upon the unsuspecting vSwan, who cannot hear him on account of the wind, and shoots them down at close quarters. When the weather becomes severe and the sounds and bays are frozer.. the Swan arc seen standing on the ice, surrounded by •the more watchful geese. If the severe weather continues to close the waters, the birds depart for more southern climes, until a change of temperature occurs, when they at once return to their old quarters. At the advent of spring the Swan begin to show signs of uneasiness, and to make preparations for their long journey to the northward. They gather in large flocks and pass much of the time preen- ing their feathers, keeping up a constant flow of loud notes, as though discussing the period of their departure and the method and direction of their course. At length all being in readiness, with loud screams and many JVIw--a'Jws they mount into the air. and in long lines wing their w-ay toward their breeding places amid the frozen north. It has been esti- mated that Swan travel at the rate of one hundred miles an hour with a moderate wind in their favor to help them along. The American Swan is monogamous, and once mated the pair arc presumed to be faithful for life. The young keep with their parents for the first year, and these little families are only parted during that period by the I I i?*!t!»fwn*f?!««51»«^!SSS!lHlHSf???P.W'K?^' Wilis 1 1. IX i'f SWAX 87 deatli of its nunihers. A wounded Swan is very diHi- onlt to capture, for it inunodiatcly swims away rij^lit in llic wind's " eye," and so rapidly can it pro])el itself by its hnmd feet that a man in a boat lias j^^^reat difticulty in cajjturing- it. When overtaken, it is found to be no mean antaju^onist. for it can deal severe blows with its winjj^s, sufficiently powerful at times to break a man's arm. while the ^reat feet are cai)al)le of comniittinf^ severe injury with their long claws. It is therefore necessary to be somewhat careful in approaching^ a wounded Swan. In addition to its smaller size the i)resent species can be distinguished from the Trumpeter Swan by the pres- ence of a yellow oblong spot on the naked skin near the eye, this part in the other s])ecics being all black. It weighs from twelve to twenty pounds, some exception- ally large birds perhaps a few pounds more. In Louisiana this species is called Cygnc. C VGXl 'S a ) L UMIU. I N( 'S. Geographical Distribution. — America, generally; Commander Islands, Kamchatka. Accidental in Scotland. Breeds in Arctic regions. Adult. — Plumage, loure white; occasionally individuals have rust color spots or blotches on head and neck, sometimes also on the body. Lores naked, with a small yellow spot. Bill and feel black. Total length, about 50 tf) 55 inches; wing average, 21; tarsus, \\\ culmen, 4. You)ig. — General color, gray; sometimes nearly a lead color during the first year, and the bill reddish in hue. Second year the plumage is lighter and the bill is white, turning to black in the third year, when the plumage is white, mottled with gray on the body, the head and neck being mostly all gray. It requires about five years before the plumage becomes entirely pure white. Do'-a'uy ]'ou>ig. — Pure white. Bill, legs, and feet, yellow. From a specimen taken at Franklin Bay, Ai-ctic America, by MacFarlane in 1869, now in the Philadelphia Academy of Nat- ural Sciences. ?l!fffftfl*P??-: ^'WBB'WBUBIIP' TRUMPETER f .VAN. ■I ■J. J '~pIIIS splendid bird differs from tiie American or \\'liistlini^ Swan in its larger size, absence of yellow near the eye, and the peculiar arrangement of the wind- pipe. It is found in the interior of North America and on the Pacific coast, but never appears on the shores of the Atlantic unless as a straggler. It breeds on the islands and in the low reedy grounds around Hudson Bay, also in the Barren Grounds near the Arctic coast, and in the interior probably on 1)oth sides of the mountains, but is not known to breed in Alaska. A single speci- men was procured by Dall at h^ort Yukcjn, which is the t)nly record given of its appearance in the Territory. In the United ^States, the Trumpeter, in the interior, winters from niinois to the Gulf of Mexico, and breeds from Iowa and Minnesota northward. The nest of this species is a large structure composed of grass, leaves, down, and feathers, and is placed usually on elevated ground. The eggs, which are a uniform chalky white with a granulated surface, are quite large, from four to four and a half inches long, and two and a half to three in breadth. From five to seven is the complement, and the young are hatched in July, and are led by the parents to the fresh- water ponds and lakes in the vicinity. In August the adults moult and are then for a time unable to fly, and about the beginning of September the birds commence to journey southward, and are amoii^" the first of the s<8 ^1 ii J "^mmmmm^mfs. I I I I i 2 v. le le le .1 i* f. ■ t mmm 'p^'^'XfNwm'Mmmimpff'mfmf^u^mfmtntm'S'm. 'rin\Mri:'rKR sir.i.v. 29 'tt5r.'sJ\v5ihs:rai>i('l}v and easih, and when going befofe*the*\vih(I Vaises Us wings' and uses them as sails to help itseH : ?ong: ;It fiies ve'"'; ingh and in lengthened lines, like the Whistling Swan, and its speed in the air is about the same, ])ossil)ly one hundred miles an hour under fav(jrable conditions. Its voice is very different from that of the other species, being loud and sonorous, resembling the notes of a l'"*;ench horn, the tone being caused by the various convolutions of the windpipe. I do not think that this species, in the localities it fre- quents, is as numerous as is the Whistling Swan in its habitats. It is the prevailing species in California, where it visits the inland fresh waters, and is apparently most abundant on the rivers emptying into the lower Miss- issippi, along the Gulf of [Mexico, and in Western Texas, where it is fairly common in winter. It does not differ in its habits from the other species to any appreciable extent. It; feeds on roots of aquatic plants, grasses, shell fish, Crustacea, etc.. and procures its food in the same way as the Whistling Swan l)y immersing the head and neck, and pulling the desired objects from the bottom. It associates in small flocks by itself and is very shy and suspicious. The w eight of this Swan varies from twenty to thirty pounds, being, on the average, considerably heavier than the other species. It is a trim, well-shaped, handsome bird, and when congregated in numbers on the water has all the beautiful appearance characteristic of its relative. Cygne is the popular name given to this species in Louisiana, the same as that applied to the W^histling Swan. WIfl«?f,'*!^^_ •iiS'*- 30 WATER fOWL. CYGKUS bUCCINA TOR. '• •* ' ' ■ • ' ; ; ; GkoiTf^aiort!iern United States, as Iowa and the Dakotas, northNvard. Accidental on the Atlantic coast. Adult. — Entire ])lumage, white; sometimes a wash of rust color on the head. Bill, lores, and feet, black. Average total lenji;th, about 63 inches; winj:;, 24^; tarsus. 4I; culmen, 4^. Youfi^. — General plumage, gray, with rust color on head and neck. Bill, basal end tlesli color, dusky for remaining portion. Legs and feet, grayish. • > . • ' • . < W ! V s C O O fi M "'■••'nr,.,. WHOOPING SWAN. c be C O o ^ n. W I T can hardly he considered that tliis Swan is a North American species, as it has never yet been fonnd upon this Continent. Its chiim to l)e included in our avi-fauna is based on I he supposition that it is still a visitor to (ireenland. The \\'lu)0])ing Swan is a native of the Old World, found througlKnit the Ihitish Islands and the Continent of Iuiro])e, ,L;()in<;- as far south in winter as Egypt and eastward throui^h Asia to Japan. It breeds in his^h northern latitudes in Iceland and Finnish Lapland, and in the vast marshes of the Arctic regions. Hie nest, which is very large, and said to be occu])ie(l by the same bird for a number of years should it survive, is ])laced on some tussock, and is composed of rushes, grass, and similar materials. Incubation lasts forty-two days, and the number of eggs, which arc yel- lowish white, varies from four to seven, the former l)eing the most usual. The young, which are generally hatched in June, are not able to fly until August, and are care- fully guarded by the parents, who protect them from their numerous enemies, becoming the aggressors on slight provocation, and are antagonists not to be despised. It is a handsome bird, though, on account of its shorter neck, not so graceful as the Mute Swan {Cyguus oJor), so commonly seen on ornamental waters in Europe. It frequently comes upon the land to pull up the grass, which it does in the manner of geese, and it walks easily if not gracefully. The Wild Whooper is a very shy bird, and permits nothing of which it is suspicious to approach. It goes in 31 ^aa St > r I; 32 WATER FOIVL. modcrato-sized flocks and the l)irds fly in \'-shaped lines, and cuntinually utter their tnmipet call. Jn winter they gather together in considerable numbers. This Swan is a large bird and will weigh from twelve to twenty pounds. Although of greater dimensions, it bears more resemblance to Bewick's Swan than to any other luiropean species, but is readily distinguished by having nearly two-thirds of the maxilla, or upper part of the bill, yellow. Swans mate for life, and the same pair will usually return to the last year's nest. Among young males, or old males which have lost their mates, fierce fights take place during the breed- ing season, or until most of them have become mated. The habits of the Whooping Swan are similar to those of the Mute Swan, which are known to all who have watched this bird in a domesticated state in Europe. In Greenland this present species formerly used to breed, as stated by the Eskimo, near Godthaab, but w^as exterminated when moulting and unable to escape. It has occasionally reappeared in South Greenland during the past thirty or forty years, but so irregularly, and usually single individuals only, that it would seem these were merely stragglers coming from Iceland, where the bird is known to breed on the large marshes. CVGNUS CVGXUS. Geographical Distribution.— ^ovWxcxw parts of eastern hemis- phere, occasional in Southern Greenland. .■/^//^//.— Plumage, entirely white. Basal portion of bill and lores, yellow, this color surrounding the nostrils, remainder black. Legs and feet, black. Average total length about 57 inches; wing, 24; tarsus, 4; culmen, 41^. Young.— Qq\\cx\x\ color, grayish brown. Bill, base and lores, greenish white ; remainder black, with a reddish orange band across the nostrils. Downy Young.— K\\ white. d to was . It • " 0 • • ) • • • • f • • • • • • • jl f. -•»#— ■:yo: o 11 ;i ■r. o BLUE GOOSE. U()R a lonp^ time this fine species was considered to be merely the young of the Snow Goose, although in its adult dress it bears no resemblance to that bird. Very little is known of either its economy or habits, and it is seldom seen upon any of our seacoasts, keeping chiefly to the Mississippi X'alley, where it is a migrant, going in winter to the Gulf. The breeding grounds of this Goose are unknown, but the Eskimo say they are to be found in the interior of Labrador, among the impene- trable bogs and swamps that are so numerous in that country. It is refreshing to learn that some birds have inaccessible retreats where they can rear their young without molestation. According to Mr. G. Barnstone, this species crosses James Bay (in the southern part of Hudson Bay), coming from the eastern coast, while the Snow Goose comes down from the north, seeming evi- dently to indicate that their breeding places are distinct. Hearne, who met with this Goose in the last century, states that its flesh was very palatable, quite as good as the Snow Goose, and that it was seldom seen north of Churchill River, but very common at Fort York, and at Fort Albany. It is occasionally seen in company with the Snow Goose. Th- IMue Goose has been taken on the coast of Maine and at Grand Menan, but is very rare along the Atlantic. In the west it is more com- mon and numbers are killed every winter, but it has not been found anywhere upon the shores of the Pacific. This species is usually distinguished from the . Snow 33 m 34 WATER I' OWL. Goose, as tlie llluc, or l>luc Snow (ioose, Hald-lleaded Goose, W'hitc-Hcadcd (ioosc, Oie Bleu, and Blue Brant in Louisiana, and in the north where all Snow Gccsc are called W'aveys, as the Blue Wavey. Jt is a very hand- some bird in its adult summer dress, the handsomest in my oi)inion of all our Geese, and doubtless could be domesticated and become an ornament to our farmyards. CHEN ca:r ulescens. Geographical Distribution. — Hudson Bay, through interior of North America, along the valley of the Mississippi to tlie Gulf of Mexico. Very rare on the coast of Maine, but not found farther south on the shores of the Atlantic, nor anywhere on the Pacitic. Adult. — Head and upper part of neck, white; sometimes a bkickisli brown line extends from top of head along middle of hind neck. Rest of neck, breast, back, and wings, grayish brown. Wing coverts, and rump, bluish gray. Secondaries, blackish brown, edged with white. Primaries, blackish brown. Flanks, grayish brown; feathers, tipped with pale brown. Under parts, white or whitish; upper and under tail coverts, whitish. Tail, brownish gray, edged with white. Bill, pale pinkish; nail, white; a black line along the edges of the maxilla and mandible. Legs and feet, reddish color. Total length, about 28 inches; wing, 16; tarsus, y^^\ culmen, 2-^^. YoiDig. — Like the adult, but with the head and neck dark grayish brown; chin only white. I s ii« ( Hald-tleaded d Blue iirant ow Geese are a very hand- andsoniest in ^'Ss could be ir farmyards. iffh interior of to the Gulf of found farther im the Pacific, sometimes a ni? middle of ings, Ki'ayish Secondaries, ckish brown, rown. Under Ji't.s. whitish, linkish; nail, nd mandible. 't 28 inches: d neck dark I : I ;■ I t" : if ' 1 ' 1 I r • V ■'■;*■ a \- sM ■/. r^ 1 1 ! ; , 1 > 1;^ m 1 ' A ; I 1 1 K 1 t r i 1 LESSER SNOW GOOSE. npHIS bird, the smaller of the two Snow Geese, is the western rei)resentative form, rant^inj;- from the Arc- tic Sea, south in winter to the (iulf of Mexico and Southern (California. It does not breed south of the Arctic circle, and during- its migrations makes no tarry- ing in Alaska, stopping but a brief period to rest and feed on the marshes, and then continuin.g its jour- ney northward. The flocks arrive on the Yukon from the l)eginning to the middle of May, wvA are mor».- nu- merous in spring than in the autunm, when they return rc-enforced in numbers by their young families. Xone pass the winter in any part of Alaska, and the species does not seem to visit the Aleutian Islands at any time. On their return journey when they appear in the L'nited States, about the beginning of .September, they come in flocks numbering sometimes over one hundred individu- als, ))Ut are not seen upon the coast. i)erforming their migrations apparently o^-er the land. In Washington and Oregon and throughout California this Snow Goose is very common in winter, and fre- (|uents the ])lains and marshes near the sea. It arrives in October, and remains until March, and like the larger species is shy and watchful. Fn the interior of the Continent and along the Mississippi \'alley it is a regu- lar migrant, and is quite abundant. It arrives there about the same time as the members of the western army do on the I'acific coast, from the beginning to the mid- dle of October, tlyinf^' ;very high in a Jofi^r extended • • :.\'>^ > • • • « • • • « ■,,^ ilil ; • WATER I- OWL. curved line, not nearly so ani;nlar as tlie \'-shaped ranks uf the Canada and other ( leese. Witli their snowy forms movinii- steacHlv alonp- in ihe cahn air, the outstretched wings tii)pe(l with black, glowing in the sun's rays with the faint blush of the rose, they present a most beautiful sight. Usually ihey tly silentl>- with hardly a perceptible movement of the pinions, high above "... the landscape lying so far below With its towns and rivers and desert places, And the splendor of lij^lit above, and the glow Of the limitless blue ethereal spaces." !< "; 1 1 \\ \ ' ' '! ■ ■, 1 1 i ' I I > I Occasionally, however, a solitary note like a softened Iloiik is borne from out the sky to the ear of the watcher beneath. Should they perceive a place tha,. at- tracts them they begin to lower, at first gradually, sail- ing along on motioidess wings until near the desired spot, and then descend rapidly in zigzag lines until the ground or water is almost reached, when with a few quick flaps they gently alight. It is difficult to get close to them, as they are very watchful, and if they become suspicious an alarm is sounded and the flock betakes itself to some other locality. Sometimes, in passing hom one place to another, they tly low enough to give the con- cealed gunner a chance for a successful shot, but I have never known them to decoy at all well, and the majority of those procured are birds passing to and from their feeding grounds. As an article of food I have never held this bird in any great esteem, for if it was tender it had very little flavor, and if the latter was clearly perceptible it was generally of that kind one would prefer to have al)sent. When this Cioose first arrives it is very apt to ])e lean, having had but little time on its long journey to stop and feed /./■:ss/-:a' sxoif iioosK. 37 sufficiently to fatten, hut after a short stay upon the plains and waters of more southern climes, where food is abundant and easily obtained, it soon recuperates and becomes fat and in fine condition. At times this species assembles in such multitudes as to p^ive the landscape the appearance of l)eing covered with snow, but if the sportsman, misled l)y their numbers, thinks he certainly can secure some individuals out of such a vast concourse, and attempts to get within shooting" distance by any ordinary means, he will prob- ably find himself greatly mistaken, for long before the desired spot is gained, he will see the vast white sheet rise, and countless wings winnow the air. Sometimes they will permit a wagon to be driven almost into their midst, or a man on horseback can charge at full speed and get u]) to them, and many are occasionally taken by these methods, but they soon learn what dangers to avoid, and are very successful in doing so, although they may immediately afterward be deceived by some more simple but novel stratagem. The young are always un- suspicious, and can easily be distinguished from the old birds, even in the air, by their grayish plumage, which makes them very noticeable among the pure white mem- bers of the flock, and i.t a little distance, they ai)pear as if they had soiled their feathers in mud, which had after- ward become dry. The Lesser Snow Goose does not differ in appearance from the larger species, and it will be often necessary ^o measure a specimen to know to which form it belongs. Size is at all times a most unsatisfactory distinction. This bird is called I'aily (white) Goose, by the Russians, and Oic Blanche and White Brant in Louisiana, and the same names are also applied to the succeeding form in that State. i ^- 1 38 PVA TER ro \VL. CHEX H J 'PER no R E US, Geographical Distrihutiou. — Western North America from the Valley of the Mississippi to the Pacific coast, and from Alaska to Southern California. Breeds within the Arctic circle. /4^/////.— Primaries, black; their bases and coverts, ashy. En- tire rest of plumage, white. Hill, purplish red; nail, white; space between maxilla and mandible, black. Legs and feet, orange red. Iris, dark brown. Total length, about 25I inches; wing, i5f ; tarsus, 4; culmen, 2^'^. l^<7;^;/,i,'^.- -Head, neck, and upper parts, light gray; feathers of back, tertials, and wing coverts, with dark centers, and edged with white. Primaries, black. Rest of plumage, white. 'i: ! 1 n ; feathers of , and edged hite. • - • « • • • . . • • . . nerica from t, and from Arctic circle. , ashy. En- nail, white; fs and feet, t 25^ inches; " • • • • • . I • m . ■ ' •41 « 1 ' . « » • • • » 3 • • « 1 J 111 i- .1 I u 'I H^ f ^ii n « !i » 1 ! f.'l ; U ili ijN GREATER SXOW GOOSE. 1 i \.f\ 0) -t-t 0) •J J T is somewhat difficult to define accurately the limits of the present bird and the preceding, when there is nothing to distinguish them from each other but a differ- ence of a few inches in their total lengths; and unfortu- nately wild birds object to be measured, so it is impossible to verify one's observations with that degree of certainty so much desired by all naturalists, and so rarely obtained. But since it has been decided that there are two forms of this Snow Goose in Xorth America, the present is con- sidered as that one which is found east of the Mississippi \^alley and chiefly along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, going occasionally as far south as Cuba. Like its smaller relative its breeding places are in the far north, on the Barren Grounds, and on the borders of the Arctic Ocean east of the Mackenzie River. It is very conmion in summer during its migrations about Hudson Bay, so abundant that formerly a single hunter has been known to kill a thousand to twelve hundred in a season. A nuich smaller number than this has to suffice at the present time. .Snow Geese flock by themselves, and although they may be feeding on the same marsh or plain, or stretch of water with other Geese, never mingle wiih them. They feed chiefly on grass which, if on land, they bite off with the side motion of the head and jerk of the neck in precisely the same way as tame Geese are wont to do. These birds also eat bulbous roots and soft portions of various water plants, and their peculiarly shaped bills are admirably adapted for cutting or pulling 39 rr^ 40 IVATEK I'OIVL. A i apart such kind of food. In summer, according to Rich- ardson, in the nortliern regions they feed on berries, and fre(iuent the shores of lakes and rivers, and seldom are seen on the water except at night or when moulting. Macl'arlane discovered on an island, in a lake near Liv- erpool liay, some nests of the Snow (lOOse which were mere holes or depressions in the sandy soil well lined with down. The eggs are large and yellowish-white. The young are on the wing by the middle of August, and feed at first chiefly on insects and rushes, and later on berries. They are excellent for the table, and form, with the adults, the staple article of food for the natives in that region. Previous to starting on their southern journey the birds desert the marshes, and keep near the edge of the water as it ebbs and flow's, dressing their feathers con- tinually. Then, all being ready, they take advantage of the first wind from the north and, mounting into the air, are borne at a high speed by their own efforts and favor- ing breezes, away from the ice-bound shores to sunnier climes, leaving the cheerless land that had been their summer home to lapse into the silence and darkness of a continued night. " With mingled sounds of horns and bells A far-heard clang, the Wild Geese fly, Storm-sent from Arctic moors and fells, Like a great arrow through the sky." On the northern portion of the Atlantic coast the Snow Goose cannot be said to be common, and in many parts is seldom seen. Small flocks are occa- sionally met with on the waters of Long Island, but the species becomes more abundant on the shores of New Jersey and the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina, where, in the latter State in the vicinity of Cape GREATER SXOW COOSE 41 Hattcras, and alon^^ V Va*«^.- -' / "^■-'•^miS^iA ^' i ROSS'S SXOW GOOSE. 'J I. ■T. ■r. ' r. ■r. '"puis is uiR- (if tlu' sniallost (icese known, a fully adult bird \vc'ii;liin|L;- only about two and a half to three pounds. It is rcuKirkahlc for the curious carunculations ai the base of the bill. It breeds in some part of the Arctic rejii^ions. but its nest and ej^^gs have not as yet been discovered. Ross's (loose has never been found on the Atlantic coast of the L'nited Slates, but it is not uncom- mon in parts of California in winter, and has been seen in the San loacjuin N'allcy in considerable numbers. Its journey to the south seems to lie to the westward en- tirelv. ancl j)ut little is known of its habits bevond the few observations made in California, and I have always re- garded it as the rarest of our ( ieese. It has a cry like that of the Cacklint;- (loose, and usually associates with the Lesser Snow (loose, and accom])anies flocks of that bird in the air, flyinsi' on one side or the other, or else is scat- tered throuj^hout the ranks of the main body of the larger birds. It was discovered by Hearne, who called it the Horned W'avey and said that two or three hundred miles west of Churchill, which is near the west shore of Hud- son Hay, he saw them in as larf(e flocks as the Common \\ avey or Snow (loose. The flesh, he says, was ex- tremely delicate, and as a proof of it he ate two of them one night for supper, which was doing very well, even for an Arctic ap])etite. It is a beautiful little bird, and it is to be regretted that more do not enter within our limits. 43 f '! 1 44 WATER rOlVL. EXANTHEMOPS RL )SS//. Geoi^raphical Distribution. — Arctic America, south in winter to Southern Cahfornia, cast to Montana. Adult, — Entire jjUunage, pure white, with tlie exception of the primaries, which are black. Hill, dull red; nail, white, with- out any black line along the gape. Basal portion of maxilla covered v.-ith wart-like excrescences. Legs and feet, reddish. Average total length, 23 inches; wing, h/*,,; tarsus, 2{y, cul- mcn, \{\,. YoiDig. — Resemble those of the Lesser Snow Goose, but are of a generally lighter color. r I \ li in winter reception of k-hite, with- of maxilla !t, reddish. >, 2{Y, cul- i 56, but are ' • * « # t •* • > • « , » • • • • « » • .•- • •• » • • T )l \ t ii 'I •T. o 6 c o I- I 0) I "t .' ir. O 6 o pressions vith dried is placed DUic large lie eastern Uit as the ler breast, nt having These are oose. breeding d, and an- ig accom- their nests lon. They and sub- ood. The Ijle to fly, r in large n journey, Iber. This c limits of inerous, as ent. It is .'cially the ist friendly IS, if away thev often follow the same line of llight going and returning, many are shot by sportsmen who have taken positions along their routes. When much hunted they become very shy and wild, and permit nothing to approach them, and have sentinels posted to give due warning uf danger, and as soon as an alarm is sounded each individual throughout tile tlock is on the alert, and if the cause of their sus- picion remains, the entire company takes wing for an- other locality. Although the name by which this species is generally known to the gunners of the west is Brant, it has also various others in different parts of its disper- sion. Some of these are Laughing Goose, — on account of its cry. supposed to resemble the sound man makes when laughing. — Prairie Brant, Speckled Belly, Speckled Brant. Gray Goose, Pied Brant, Yellow-legged Goose, etc.; and Die Caille and (Jray Brant in Louisiana. This Goose is a most excellent bird for the table, especially if young, as it receiN-es from its customary diet no strong or disagreeable flavors, and can rank as an article of food with any other species of Goose, excepting possibly a young bird of the salt-water Brant. The downy yoimg are very pretty little creatures, as they appear in their various colors of sooty brown relieved by olive and lemon yellow. This plumage lasts but a short time, when they begin to assume the mature dress, and early in the autunm thev can hardly be distinguished from the adult, differing chiefly in not having the white on the head at the base of the bill, and less black on the lower parts. In the Old World this Goose is dispersed throughout the iioithern portions, and ranges eastward as far as China and Japan. As is its custom in America it flies in \'-shaped flocks, sometimes at a very considerable height, frequents low marshy districts and feeds upon water i)lants and grasses. At times it resorts to culti- ■4. ■'■■{ Ti 'I » ■ I '! 1 ] 1 ii m ! r ! . ! ( I ■' ? 48 WATER lOlVL. vated fields and picks up the p^raiii scattered over the ground, but as a rule it is a vegetable feeder. It is not uncommon on the coasts of Great Britain, and in Egypt I found it the most abundant of the Geese that are accus- tomed to resort to the Xile. This species breeds near fresh-water ponds not far removed from the coast, de- positing its eggs in a depression in the ground, lined with down. These are like those laid in America as may be supposed, yellowish-white, and six to eight in number. This Goose was well known to the ancient Egyptians, and its portrait frequently appears upon their monuments, and one of the earliest pictures of birds known to exist was found in a tomb at jNIayoum, Egypt, and represents this s])ecies. AXSER ALniFRONS. Geographical Distribution. — Northern portions of both Hem- ispheres, extendini^ eastward to Japan. General throughout North America, south in winter to Cape St. Lucas, Mexico, and Cuba. Rare on the Atkmtic coast. CJreenland. Adult. — Fore part of head, white, bounded posteriorly with a narrow, almost imperceptible, line of black. Rest of head and neck, dark brown; in some specimens the upper part of head and nape is very dark brown, causing this part to appear like a cap. Back and wings, grayish brown, feathers tipped with white. Greater wing coverts ash gray, tipped with white. Primaries, black. Rump, slate brown. Lower parts, grayish white, blotclied with black, the amount of these blotches varying greatly among individuals. Upper and under tail coverts, white. Tail, dark grayish brown, the feathers edged and tipped with white. Iris, dark brown. Bill, orange yellow ; nail, white. Legs and feet, orange or orange red. Average total length, 28 inclies; wing, about i5i; tarsus, 2^; culmen, i/q. Yotnig. — No white on the head, which is all dark brown, and no black marking on the under parts; nail of bill, dusky. Downy Young. — Middle of crown and entire back, including td over the It is not id in Egypt it are accus- breeds near L' coast, de- oiind, lined in America to eight in the ancient i upon their es of birds •um, Egypt, lVmTE.FRO\'TED GOOSE. 49 the upper surface of the wings and outer side of thighs sooty brown, witli an olive shade. From tlie bill a band extending back through the eye is of a slightly darker shade than surround ing feathers. Xape and back of neck, olive yellow Entire lower surface rich lem.)n yellow, washed with lighter on the abdomen (Nelson;. Df both Hem- 1 throughout , Mexico, and iriorly with a of head and t of head and ar like a cap. with white. Primaries. hite, blotched ;reatly among '. Tail, dark I white. Iris, egs and feet, iiiclies; wing. k brown, and usky. Lck, including ) I ♦ \ •\ I y June the females begin to lay on the Hat marshy islands near the sea, and at low tide the broad nuid Hats on the shore are thronged with, them, rnd after feeding, they congre- gate on the bars imtil forced to leave by the incoming tide. Most of the nests were placed on the marshes, and sometimes the eggs were deposited amid driftwood below high-water mark. It is not always easy to distinguish this (loose when on the nest, even when there is not much cover, as th.e bird extends her head and neck llat upon the ground, remaining perfectly motionless, and do"s not leave the nest until the objeci of her alarm has passed, when she usually moves off with a startled cry. The eggs are placed in a depression in the ground, and in number they range from five to eight, and when fresh are pure white or nearl\ so, but become a dirty brownish white after remaining in the nest a l)rief period. As the number of eggs increase, the female forms a bed of fine grass, leaves, .and feathers, the latter plucked froni her I ; '■'"-"'■J I ' I fl 54 ly^l TEN I'O WL. u I own l)reast. When disturhcd the fenialo usually tlies straij^ht away, sonu'tiincs for half a mile hcforc ali.^htinjj^, and betrays little coneern for her treasures. The male is rarely seen in the vicinity of the nest. I'.y the last of June or hejj^iiniinj^ of July the youn<; are hatched, and from the last of July to the middle of Auj.!;ust the adults moult. At this season tens of thousands of (leese of all kinds are killed by the Kskimo, who set lonj;' nets across the marshes and drive the moulting birds into them. This slaughter is bad enoujj^h, but is rendered still more repre- hensible from the fact that the savages kill thousands of young birds that are at such times entra])])e(l, to prevent them, as they say, from being in the way for the next drive. Is it to be wondered that the Wild Fowl in N'orth America are rapidly marching, in so many cases, toward extinction, when such practices are indulged in. even on their very breeding grounds? The eggs of the Emperor (loose are eagerly sought for both by the natives and whites, and take the place of meat on the daily bill of fare. When again able to tly, tliese Cleese gather along the sea- coast, and remain there until winter drives them to the Aleutian Islands a few hundred miles south. The natives south of the Yukon make dresses from the skins of this bird, as they do also of those of other species of Geese. The lunperor Cloose is dif^cult to kill, and it re(juires L heavy charge of shot to bring it down. It is hardly fit for food, the flesh being coarse, rank, and with a de- cidedly unpleasant odor, says Turner: but Dall states that though the flesh has an intolerable odor of garlic, which makes the process of skinning a very disagreeable task, yet this passes away when the bird is cooked, and he found it tender and good. This species visits the Prybilof Islands, but (jnly as a straggler. In the \\\ r.Mri.ROh' coosE. 55 month of October, usually from ihe 7th to the 20th, says 'rurnrr. a ^tronj^ north-northeast wind blows, attaining at times great velocit>-. 'J1iis has the effect of lowering the waters of Norton Sound to a remarkal)le degree, sometimes as much as eight feet below the lowest mark attained. At such times the Kmperor Geese visit the vicinity of Stewart's and St. Michael's Islands to feed on the shell fish exposed by tlie receded water. By the 15th of November they depart for the south side of the penin- sula and the Aleutian Islands, arriving at L^nalaska by the 1st of December and remaining until the next April, 'liie Russian name of lliis bird is Sa sar ka, which means (iuinea lien, as they fancy there is a resemblance in the coloring between that bird and this Goose. In the Aleutian Islands it is called the Lidenna Goose, and at Norton Sound it is known as the White-headed Goose. e sea- 0 the The >j^ skins ■.'-"-■ ies of ^Ivl [juires 3 1^9 (lly fit a de- r™ ^.",' states y garlic, eeable I, and ts the n the PHI LAC TK L A \A(;/( .1 . Geoi^yaphical nistribiition. — Coast of Alaska, between Behr- ing Sea and the Aleutian Islands. iMoutli of the Yukon, possibly on Siberian coast, west of Behrini^ Straits. Commander Islands, Kamchatka; casually in winter on the Pacific coast of the United States as far south as Humboldt l'>ay, California. .•/^/////.— Head and back of neck, white. Forehead and cheeks, frequently stained with rust color. Thrtvat and fore part of neck, brownish black, feathers on lower part of neck, with a small white spot at tip. Hack and under parts, bluisli gray, the feath- ers having a subterminal black bar and white tips, much more distinct on tlie back than on the lower parts. Secondaries, brownish black, edged with white. Primaries, blackish brown. I.,ower back and upper tail coverts, bluish gray, the subterminal bar and whiiisli tips indistinct. Basal half of tail, slate color, remainder whi .e. Iris, hazel. Bill, maxilla pale purplish, washed, with fleshy w.iite; nail, h(jrn white, edges dark horn color; man- dible, horn color, with white spot on each side. Membrane of ! 56 WATER FOWL. nostrils, livid blue. Legs and feet, bright orange yellow (Nel- son). Total length, 26 inches; wing, 14^-15:^; tarsus, 2{^\ cul- men, i,",.,. Fr^^y/^i,'^.— Similar to the adult, but with the head and neck, brownish black; the feathers on top of the head, speckled with white. '1 I \ \\ * I I 9 IS %■ 'I • • • • • I T ir I ifi m » it *i ii t(* a. I ■ '-7 i 1^ CANADA GOOSE. T^HE common Wild (ioose is distributed generally throughout North America from the Arctic Sea to the (Julf of Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the I'acific ( )cean, breeding as far south as Colorado, near lakes at high elevations. No species of our Wild Fowl is better known, nor its advent within our borders more eagerly anticipated. It breeds in many parts of the nort'nern I'nited States, and thence northward thrinighout the Arctic Regions, chiefly, however, to the east of the moun- tains. In Alaska it is rare upon the coast, though it is met with along the 'S'ukon River, but is supplanted in that Territory by several allied though smaller species. It has been found nesting by Richards^"; • the lower Anderson River, but he says it does not gt . ii.c coast. It seems to prefer the interior of the country during the breeding season, selecting wooded and swampy districts, and a])parently at that time avoids the neighborhood of the ocean. Its arrival in the northern latitudes from the South is always hailed with joy by the inhabitants of those cheerless regions, as they depend largely upon these birds for their means of subsistence. It is among the first of the Wild Fowl to appear in the spring, and soon begins to prejiare for its matrimonial duties. In about three weeks after their arrival the birds have selected their mates, and are dispersed throughout the country, choosing sites for the nests in secluded p'aces in the vicinity of (juiet water, and where the ci>ver of grass or plants is sufficient for cuncealment. The nest is 57 58 WATEN low I.. •M ^1 • \ usually upon tlu' iii^rouiKi, altli<)UjL;h it has been found upon ihc stump of a Ircc surrounded hy water, and also in the branches of a tree at a considerable height. It is composed of various materials, such as dry plants, dead leaves and j^rass, or sticks and moss, lined with feathers and down, and is (piite larj;e. The e^^s vary from six to nine, sometimes more, when the bird is domesticated, .and they are a uniform ivory white. Duriuij^ July the young are hatched, and the old birds moult. This is a danger- ous period for them, as their means of escape are limited to hiding away in the marshes, at which they are very skillful, or else keeping out in the center (jf lakes or other large bodies of water. Manw however, are killed ? his period, and sometimes whole flocks are capture ' alive, of which fact idearne relates an instance when some In- dians drove into I*"ort Prince of Wales, on the Churchill River, forty-one old and young birds which were incapa- ble of flying, and which were herded as easily as if they had been domesticated. As the days begin to shorten, and ice to form upon the inland waters and along the borders of the sea, the Wild Geese ccjmmence to prepare for their journey South. Much conversation is indulged in, and doubtless the various routes are discussed, and instructions to the young given as to how they must behave in the trying times before them; as there is no doubt that birds and other animals can converse as intelligently with each other as men can, so far as making their wants and inten- tions known. Feathers having been thoroughly preened and cleansed, and ])rotecte(l by an abundant dress- ing of oil, everything is in readiness, and a favorable w ind from the north having sprung up, the flock, usually consisting of a single family (although sometimes two or three may join together), with loud cries and much flap- vr CAA'ADA GOOSE. 59 his f)inpf of the \viiijj:s, and heating of the water witli the feet, rises in the air and takes a (hrect course for the winter home. Led by some experienced jj^ander, who has also the extra (hity of cleavin^u: tlie way througii tlie air, which becomes at limes most fati^llin^^ the l)irds are strung' out in a lenj^^thened \ -sliaped hue, each one protected to a certain extent against the wind, if adverse, by the one in front, and with slow, heavy beating of the wings, the flock sj)eeds on by day and night with great rapidity. " Tlu-n stond wc siiivcring in the night-air cold, And hfard a s(nmd as if a cliariot rolled Groaning adown the heavens; and lo! o'erhead, Twice, thrice the wild geese cried; then on they sped, O'er field and wood and bay, toward Southern seas; So low they flew that on tlie forest trees Their strong wind splaslied a sjjray of moonlight white; So straight they flew, so fast their steady flight. True as an arrow they sailerl down the night; Like lights blown out they vanished from the sight." on the Wild South. ss the o the rying s and each inten- eened dress- orable isually wo or 1 flap- There is nothing to intercept their course; in the great fields of air through which they move, there are no boimds or limits, nor barriers of any kind; the route is free and open. At least so it appears to us as we watch them steering across the blue vault of heaven, sending down at inter-als irom out the sky a note of recognition to the inhabitants of eartii. Ikit all is not so free and without restraint, even to the voyagers of the trackless wastes of the airy regions, for in their patli rises occasionally a fleecy mist that obscures all landmarks, and although it might be supposed that birds like these, whose instincts are so keen and unerr- ing, would never lose the points of the compass, yet when shut in by a fog or encompassed by a storm of snow, the ( leese become confused, seem to lose all knowl- r)o iVATi'Wc row I.. it h \ i ,. I I • I I cd^c of their cnnivc. and frocjiU'iitly (U'StHiul and ali^lit upon tile j^round. I'assin^ over lar^'^e cities, or forests of sIliI)])in,L,^ sonielimes lias a similar effect upon tliem. Migration is performed usually at nij^Iil, tliouj^di .it times man\- lloeks are si'en jouiiuyitiiL;' 1>\' day. When desirinji; to rest and feed, llie ^lound beneath is care- fully scanned, in (»r^^> ▼' ^o. 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