ANATJD/K. 



387 



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THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 



Anser albifroxs (Scopoli). 



The White-fronted — or, as it is sometimes called from its hoarse 

 note, the Laughing — Goose, is a smaller bird than the preceding 

 species, which, however, it resembles in having a luhite nail at the tip 

 of the bill. It is an annual winter-visitor to the British Islands, and, 

 should the weather be severe on the Continent, very large flocks 

 occasionally arrive in England, especially in the south and south- 

 west ; but, strange to say, it is not numerous on the east coast, 

 and everywhere appears to be remarkably local in its distribution. 

 It is uncommon on the east side of the mainland of Scotland, 

 except near the Moray Firth ; while on the west it occurs but 

 sparingly in the Outer Hebrides, though in Islay it is the com- 

 monest of 'Grey' Geese, arriving early in October, and remaining 

 till the middle of April. In Ireland it is abundant in the southern, 

 western and north-western counties, and large numbers were ob- 

 served during the severe winters of 1879-80 and 1880-81. 



The true White-fronted Goose has occurred in the Faeroes and the 

 southern part of Iceland ; and although it is not known to nest in 

 Norway or Sweden, yet in winter it visits their coasts, as well as 

 those of Denmark and Western Europe as far as the Mediterranean. 



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