148 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Lesser Snow Goose are said usually to 

 be five in number. They are dull white, with little or 

 no polish. Average measurement, 3'4 inches in length 

 by 2*2 inches in depth. Incubation is performed by the 

 female, but the duration of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : I know of no character 

 which will serve to distinguish the eggs of the Lesser 

 Snow Goose from those of several allied species — notably 

 from those of the Gray Lag Goose {Aitser cmereiis) and 

 the Snow Goose {Chen Jiyperboreus nivalis). Information 

 is much to be desired respecting these eggs. So few 

 specimens are at present known that it is not safe to 

 o-eneralize on their characteristics. 



Family ANATIDyE. Genus Anser. 



Sub-family ANSERINE. 



BEAN GOOSE. 



Anser segetum {Gvielin). 

 (British : Common autumn and winter migrant.) 

 Single Brooded. Laying season, June. 



Breeding area: Northern and Central Palaearctic 

 region. The Bean Goose breeds in Scandinavia north 

 of lat. 64°, but in Northern Russia north of about lat. 

 65°, above the limits of forest growth. It may probably 

 breed on Nova Zembla, and eastwards is known to do 

 so across Siberia on the tundras, and in a similar climate 

 at high elevations on the mountains in the Baikal area 

 and on the Stanavoi mountains. 



Breeding habits : The Bean Goose returns to its 



