NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



ORDER IX.— ANSERES. 

 The Spur-winged Goose. 



{Plectropterus gamhens'is.) 



Diet. — This species of goose feeds in marshes and shallows 

 on aquatic life, grasses, and weeds. It also resorts to the corn- 

 lands and veld in search of grain, insects, and worms. 



Dwarf Goose. 



[Nettopus auritus.) 



Diet. — This small goose frequents lagoons, lakes, ponds, 

 and rivers, and lives on aquatic life and vegetation. 



Egyptian Goose, or Berg Gans. 



[Jlopochen cegyptiaciis.) 



Diet. — Resorts to grass-lands and vleis, and subsists on young 

 grass, other vegetation, berries, seeds, insects, slugs, and snails. 



The Ducks. 



(Genera — Sarcidiornis.^ Dendrocycna.^ Jlopochen.^ Casarca.^ Anas.^ 

 Nettion.^ Pcecilonetta.^ Spatula.^ Nyroca^ Thalassornis., and 

 Erismatura.) 



Diet. — The ducks of the above genera frequent rivers, 

 marshes, lagoons, and ponds, and feed on vegetation and various 

 kinds of aquatic creatures. They often wander short distances 

 from water in search of insects and allied forms of life. They 

 render great service in preying on the fresh water snails, which 

 are the hosts of the bilharzia parasite and the liver fluke. For 

 these reasons they should be strictly protected. 



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