Size and color are fatal twins. Lethal lust and weapons have done their ignoble work among the TRUMPETERS. There may be one dozen left of our largest waterfowl or there may be none! Where once they ranged mating and following the silver cord of life in peace their resonant voice is heard no longer. With the Whooping Crane and Curlew they have reached the narrow end of the Long Trail where it fines into oblivion. May the souls of those who wantonly destroyed these magnificent birds be buried in Hereafter's deepest pit! A futile curse — they had no souls.
NEST: often atop old muskrat holes or on slight elevation near water.
EGGS — 2 to 8: ruf-shelled, creamy white.
Formerly widely distributed over North America. — Now relegated to country on far side of the Styx. . . .