2 14 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



last, but is larger, 21 inches in full length, 2i of which are 

 in the tail. 



The head and neck are chestnut, which is darker on the 

 top of the head, whence a dark line extends down the back 

 of the neck ; the chin, throat, and front of the neck are 

 paler, and on the centre of the neck is a small patch of 

 white liackled feathers. The upper part of the back and 

 the scapulars are deep brown, with chestnut edges; bill, 

 lead colour. 



Black-Backed Goose. — Thi.s species is common in 

 Central and Western India, but rare in Lower Bengal, It 

 frequents grassy tanks, and similar situations, also paddy 

 fields, where it does a good deal of harm. Durinfj the rains 

 it wanders about from place to place, and breeds among 

 long orrass in July and August, lajMug from .six to eight 

 white eggs. 



It is a simple, unwary creature, and is not much esteemed 

 for tlic table. 



Spotted- Billed DrcK. — This bird is found in wooded 

 districts throughout India, also in Ceylon, Burmah, etc, 

 nesting on the ground among long grass ; the eggs are 

 greenish white, and vary in number from eight to ten. It 

 flies slowly, and is loath to take wing, a circumstance that 

 is not unregarded by the fowler, for the spotted-billed is one 

 of the very best birds of its kind for the table. 



The top of the head and the neck are dark sepia brown, 

 with a paler edging ; a dark brown line ending in a point 

 passes through the eye, and forms a superciliura above it. 

 The face and neck are dingy red, with small brown streaks ; 

 underneath it is dingy white, but the vent and under tail 

 coverts are deep blackish brown. The bill is black, with 

 a large bright red spot at the base, and a yellow tip. 



The total length is 24 inches, 4 of which belong to the 

 tail. 



