SNOW -GOOSE. 9 



land, yet it is curious that the latter, which migrates south along 

 the Atlantic seaboard so far as Florida, has only once been 

 known to visit us — an example obtained in Ireland in 1886. 

 The smaller bird ranges south in winter to the western States 

 and Mexico, and has been met with in various parts of 

 Europe ; it is therefore probable, especially as Gatke knew the 

 bird in Heligoland, that the autumnal movements of the 

 species are westward and that our visitors do not reach us via 

 Greenland. 



The Snow-Goose, white with black wings, is conspicuous 

 and unlike any other wild goose ; its black flight feathers 

 prevent confusion with the swans, and the only other large 

 white bird that in any way resembles it is the Gannet, whose 

 short neck, cigar-shaped body, and easy sailing flight are 

 distinctive. No wildfowler would be misled, and though there 

 are more reports of birds seen than obtained, records by such 

 observers as Sir R. Payne-Gallwey, H. A. Macpherson, and Mr. 

 G. Bolam leave no doubt in the mind. Furthermore, in severe 

 winters, flocks have been observed in different parts practically 

 at the same time. The bird has been seen or shot on both the 

 east and west coasts of England and in Ireland. 



The flight is strong, and Macpherson noticed it as 

 "leisurely " ; the voice is described as harsh. The visits have 

 usually been during exceptionally hard weather, but a bird was 

 seen in the Solway on August 22nd, 1S84. 



The adult bird is white with black primaries. The legs and 

 bill are red, the latter with a whitish nail ; the irides are dark 

 brown. The young bird is brownish grey, darkest on the upper 

 surface ; its bill is almost black, and its legs plumbeous tinged 

 with reddish yellow (Dresser). Length, 25-28 ins. Wing, 

 15-17 ins. Tarsus, 3 ins. Greater Snow-Goose: Length, 

 30 ins. Wing, 174 ins. Tarsus, 3*25 ins. 



