158 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



habits of the birds during the breeding season still 

 renfiains to be written. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement 

 {m co?ifinement) : The eggs of the Bernacle Goose, judging 

 from those laid by birds in captivity, are somewhat 

 coarse in grain, with no polish, and creamy-white. 

 Average measurement, 2*85 inches in length by 1*95 

 inch in breadth. Incubation period unrecorded. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Bernacle 

 Goose are on an average slightly larger than those of 

 the Brent Goose, but no absolutely reliable character 

 can be given by which they may be distinguished from 

 those of that species. 



Family ANATID^. Genus Bernicla. 



Sub-family ANSERINAi,. 



RED-BREASTED GOOSE. 



Bernicla ruficollis {Pallas). 

 (British : Very rare abnormal autumn and winter migrant.) 

 Single Brooded probably. Laying season, early in July. 



Breeding area: North-central Pabearctic region. 

 The Red-breasted Goose is only known to breed on the 

 tundras above the limits of forest growth in the valleys 

 of the Obb, Yenesay, Piasina, and Boganida rivers. 



Breeding habits : Nothing whatever appears to 

 be known of the habits of the Red-breasted Goose during 

 the breeding season. The bird is migratory, leaving its 

 winter quarters in the Caspian basin and retiring to the 

 Arctic regions to breed. It is certainly very gregarious 

 in its winter resorts and whilst on passage; and judging 

 from the few meaq-re details recorded I should infer a 



