478 



LAMELLIEOSTRAL SWIMMERS — AXSERES. 



lar to the adult, luit the head and neck phxrabeous, the former speckled with white, especially on 

 top ; the transverse barring of the feathers less distinct than in the adult. Bill and feet dusky. 



Wing, 14.30-15.70 inches ; culmen, 1.40-1.65 ; tarsus, 2.«0-2.85 ; middle toe, 2.40-2.50. 



In a very large series of fine adult specimens before us there is little appreciable variation in 

 colors, except in regard to tlie orange-rufous stain on the head, which is entirely wanting in some, 

 but in others very deep, and covering nearly the whole head. 



This species was introduced as a probable bird of North America by Professor 

 Baird, in the ninth volume of the " Pacific Kailroad Eeports." It had been said to 



be common among the Aleutian Islands ; 

 but according to the observations of Mr. 

 Dall, it was not seen in any of the regions 

 visited by him. He was at some pains to 

 make inquiries in regard to it, and the ex- 

 istence of such a bird appeared to be un- 

 known to the natives of the islands visited 

 by him. It has been found, however, by 

 Mr. Bannister on the Island of St. Mi- 

 chael's and on the Lower Yukon, and about 

 its mouth by Mr. Pease and others. Mr. 

 Dall speaks of it as a magnificent bird, and 

 states that it abounds in profusion in the 

 Kusilvak Slough, or mouth of the Yiikou 

 River, to the exclusion of all other species. 

 His endeavors to reach that point being 

 unavailing, he was obliged to obtain speci- 

 mens elsewhere. It was quite scarce about 

 "" the Kwichpak Slough and on the sea-coast. 



By means of a large reward, JMr. Dall ob- 

 tained four fine specimens from the marshes around Kutlik. This is the largest 

 of the Geese of that region ; and the delicate colors of the body, with the head and 

 nape snow-white, tipped wdth rich amber-yellow^, have a very beautiful effect. Its 

 eye is dark brown, and the feet are flesh-color. The eggs are said to be larger and 

 longer than those of Anser Gambeli, and rather browai fulvous, the color being in 

 minute dots. This bird rests on the ground in the manner of the other Geese. The 

 Eskimo name of this Goose is Maclwivthiluk. The raw flesh and skin, INfr. Dall states, 

 have an intolerable odor of garlic, which renders skinning it a very disagreeable task ; 

 but on cooking this passes away, and he found the flesh tender and good eating. 



This species a^rrives at Alaska about the first of June, or earlier, according to the 

 season. As soon as the eggs are hatched the old birds begin to moult. Mr. Dall saw 

 half-moulted individuals at Pastolik, July 29, 18G7. This Goose remains longer than 

 any other, lingering until the whole sea-coast is fringed wdth ice, feeding on Mytilus 

 edilis and other shellfish. It has been observed as late as November 1 by the Eus- 

 sians. It usually goes in i)airs, or four or five together, rather than in large flocks. 

 Its note is shriller and clearer than that of A. Gambeli or of B. Hutchinsi, and it is 

 shyer than any of the Geese, except the Black Brant. 



Mr. Bannister states that two of tliis species were shot at St. Michael's during the 

 period of his stay there, both of them young, and not in the best of plumage. This 

 bird cannot be regarded as common at that particular point; but Mr. Pease reported 

 having seen it in June in large numbers on the Lower Yukon while descending that 



