AXSER NEGLECTUS 97 



(16) ANSER NEGLECTUS. 

 SUSHKIN'S GOOSE. 



Anser neglectus, Sushkui, Bull. B. O. C. v, p. C (1895) (East Eussia) ; 

 Oatcs, Game-B. ii, p. 75 ; iJ. J. B. X. H. S. xvii, p. 44 : Stuart Baker, 

 /hid. p. 637; AlpMrakij, ilml. p. 599; Biiturlin, ihnl. p. 604; Oates, 

 ibid. p. 900; Stuart Baker, Indian Ducks:, p. SO (1908). 



Melanonyx neglectus, AlpJiiraky, Geese, p. 78. 



Description. — " The species is distinguished from A. hrachiirhijachnn by 

 greater size, larger and more robust bill, and by the fact that the secondary 

 coverts are black-brown, and thus of another colour to the main coverts. 

 From A. segetum it is distinguished by the dark flesli-colour of the legs 

 and median part of the bill. 



" As concerns the colour-differences of the plumage of the new goose 

 from A. segetum, the colouring of the head and neck is darker than in 

 the latter, and the margins of the feathers of the upper side and of the 

 dark feathers of the sides of the body are browner. In some specimens, 

 just as in .1. segetum, is observable a slight admixture of white feathers 

 at the very root of the upper mandible." [Sushkin) 



To this description Alpheraky adds : — 



" The bill of Sushkin's Goose is comparatively weak and narrow ; 

 from the bill of M. segetum it is distinguished by its far less depth at 

 the base, and in particular by the feebler lower mandible. . . A still more 

 mai'ked difference is presented by the shape and comparative size of 

 the nail on the upper mandible." 



The last sentence refers to the difference as shown in my key. The 

 differences between neglectus and segetum are the same, emphasized, 

 between neglectus and .^errircstris. 



Total length about 30 inches, wing 177 to 19, culmen 2'16 to 2'48, 

 tarsus 2'95 to 3'11. 



Bill : nail black, base of hill black as far as the exterior edge of the 

 nostrils, but with the edge uneven and receding slightly in the centre ; 

 band of bill a lovely carmine-pink ; feet vivid fleshy-red. (Notes by 

 Mr. Mundy). 



Bill with black nail and base and bright pink centre ; feet same as 

 the light portion of the bill. (Notes by Dr. Moore), 



Young in first plumage. — " These differ from the adults first of all 

 by the narrower feathers of the body, as is generally the case with all 

 young geese compared with old. Tips of the feathers on neck light whitish- 

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