DESCRIPTION, DISTRIBUTION, HABITS 



coverts white, the greater series with a narrow subterminal 

 black band. Iris orange to crimson. Bill light pink ; darker 

 at tip, margins, and base. Legs pink. 



Lengthy 28.0 ; wing, 16.0 ; tail, 5.25. 



Sexes are similar in plumage, the female, however, bemg 

 smaller than the male. Male weighs between 5 and 6 lbs., 

 while the female weighs about 4 lbs. 



Distribution. — This goose is found throughout Africa, 

 south of the Sahara. In the north-east it extends through 

 Egypt into Palestine. In South Africa it is very common, 

 being found both inland and along the coasts. 



Habits, — The berg gans is generally found singly or in 

 pairs. It is a very shy and retiring bird, feeding out on the 

 grass-lands before sunrise and after sunset. At night it roosts 

 among the thick reeds and rushes. When on the wing it 

 emits a sharp cry, which is best described as a barking quack. 

 It invariably builds its nest near water. The nest is usually 

 placed among the thick rushes, or sometimes in a hollow tree 

 trunk, and even on broad ledges overhanging the water. The 

 eggs vary from 5 to 8 in number, and are white in colour. 

 They are smooth and somewhat shiny, measuring approximately 

 2.65 by 1.85. 



In Europe this bird is usually known as the Egyptian goose. 

 In Egypt it has been known from very remote times, and is 

 figured on many of the monuments of ancient Egypt. It is 

 very easily domesticated, and is often seen on ornamental waters 

 both in South Africa and Europe. 



Cape Shoveller Duck (Spatula capensis). (Vol. II., 

 p. 243-) 

 Description. — Male : crown of head dark brown speckled 

 with fulvous. Sides of head and neck pale fulvous, spotted with 

 black. Mantle, upper scapulars, back, and breast dark brown, 

 with V-shaped bars of fulvous. Lower back, primaries and 

 their coverts, tail, and upper tail coverts black, the outer tail 

 feathers having paler edges. Median and lesser coverts to edge 



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