THE



I 4 I


Hvicultural /Ifoacjastne,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF THE


AVICULTURAL SOCI ETY.



Third Series— VOL. II. — NO. All rights reserved. MARCH, 1911.


THE ANDEAN GOOSE.


Bernicla melanopteia.


By F. E. Blaauw.


The accompanying photo is that of a pair of rare geese

which I got a few weeks ago. They are known as the Andean

Goose (Bernicla melanoplera ) and come from the Chilian Lakes in

the Andes. I had one specimen of this rare species previously

about eighteen years ago and since its death this is the first time

that I have come across the species.


The birds are about the size of the Upland Goose (Bernicla

magellanica ) but shorter in stature.


They are white all over except for the wings and wing

coverts, which are black with a beautiful metallic gloss of green

and purple. The transition from the dark colour to the white is

not abrupt but black or brownish black spots are to be seen on

the scapulars, those feathers nearest the dark portion showing

more brown than those further away as may be seen on reference

to the photo. The legs and feet are scarlet and the bill pink or

flesh-coloured with a black nail.


The sex of the birds is at present rather a puzzle to me

Both birds puff themselves up in a remarkable way lifting their

wings at the same time, they also have a peculiar little song,

during the utterance of which they are continually gazing

skywards.


At first I was inclined to believe that they were both males,

but I am now somewhat doubtful as there is a slight difference

in their voices and they are also very affectionate—preen each

others feathers and are constantly about together. Next spring

will, I hope, clear up my doubts on this subject.



