100 INDIAN DUCKS 



Distribution. — As regards its distribution, Alpheraky gives it as 

 follows : — 



" Everywhere in East Siberia from the Taimyr Peninsula East- 

 wards to Kamchatka, Chukchiland, and the Komandor Islands. . . . 

 It nests on the Boganida, on the lower reaches of the Yana, on 

 the Vilyui in the Yakut Government, and almost everywhere 

 throughout Siberia between Lake Baikal and the Sea of Japan, near 

 great rivers and lakes southwards to 50 degrees N. lat. and possibly 

 still farther South. 



" It migrates to pass the winter in China and .Tapan, but how 

 far it descends southwards for this purpose we have no idea." 



Nidificatiou. — In reference to its breeding, he writes: — 



" Tliis Goose breeds alike in the lowlands and on the hills ; " 

 and quotes Maak to the effect : — 



"It builds its nest near the Vilyui and its tributaries, on lakes 

 far removed from habitations, and young in down were found as 

 early as June 8th." 



The eggs are described as being almost white or yellowisb, but 

 as soon becoming much soiled with incubation. In length they vary 

 between '2'89 and 3'68 inches, and in breadth between 2'09 and 3'44; 

 the smallest measurements are probably abnormal, the next smallest 

 measuring 307 to 2'1I inches. 



General Habits. — According to Eadde this goose arrives on the 

 Tarei-Nor at the same time as the grey lag, at the end of March ; 

 on the Irkut it did not arrive until May. 



Its voice is said to be similar to that of A user f. fahalis, but 

 hoarser. It moults at the same time of the year as the latter, and 

 like that goose is taken in great numbers by the fowlers for food. 

 It is said by these fowlers to be an excellent diver, a talent that adds 

 greatly to the difticulty of catching it. 



