Fig. 100.—Black Swans (Cygnus atratus).
The river Thames is remarkable for the number of Swans which live on it. The greater quantity of them belong to the Queen; the others chiefly to the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies of the City of London; but we never heard that these feast their guests on the noble birds. Deputations from the companies make an annual visit to their preserves, called Swan-hopping, or capering—that is, catching the cygnets, and marking them in the presence of the royal swanherd with the distinguishing brand of the society to whom the parent bird belonged.
Two species of Swans were recognised by Linnæus; but later naturalists, and notably the Prince of Canino, record four species known in Europe—namely, Cygnus olor, C. immutabilis, C. musicus, and C. Bewickii—besides the American species, namely, C. americanus and C. buccinator. There is another species, peculiar to Australia, which is entirely black: efforts have been made successfully to naturalise it in Europe.
The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus).
Synonyms.—Anas Plutonia: Shaw. Chenopis: Wagler.
We here give a representation ([Fig. 100]) of the Black Swan of Australia. This bird, which has now become so common in our ornamental waters, in some respects resembles the White species; it is all black, except a few of the secondary feathers, which are white. In a state of nature, the Black Swans are generally seen in flocks of eight or nine floating on lakes. When disturbed, they fly in single file, and are so shy that it is very difficult to get within gunshot when in captivity. Their note is less harsh than that of the Whooping Swan.
The Frigate Bird (Fregata, Ray).
English Synonym.—Man-of-war Bird: Sloane.
Latin Synonym.—Tachypetes: Vieillot.