66 ANATIDAG 
Quite recently a number of occurrences have been 
recorded from Ireland as follows :— 
October 28th, 1903; a female bird in mature plumage 
shot in a stubble-field in co. Longford, and sent to Williams 
and Son for preservation; a second in immature plumage 
shot the same day in the same place; this specimen was 
not preserved. 
November, 1903; a flock of eight Snow-Geese seen by 
Capt. Karkwood and his daughter at Bartragh, co. Mayo. 
December Ist, 19038; four seen by Mr. G. Fanos 
at Foxford, co. Mayo ee Loologist,’ 1903, p. 459, 
and R. Warren, zbid., 1904, p. 32, also G. FB. Knox, jinish 
Naturalist,’ 1904, p. 76). 
Flight.—The flight is strong and sustained. 
Voice.—The voice is loud and harsh. 
Food.—Vhe Snow-Goose partakes of a rather mixed 
diet ; in summer, green rushes and insects are eaten; in 
autumn, berries (Saunders). 
Nest.—The nest is usually placed near water ‘‘1n hollows 
formed in the sandy soil, and well lined with down; 
the eggs, usually five in number, are chalky-white ”’ (Saun- 
ders). 
Geographical distribution.—There are two forms of the 
Snow-Goose, both of which breed in the New World. The 
larger bird nests in Eastern North America, 7.e., in the 
Hudson Bay district. The Lesser Snow-Goose nests in 
Western North America, Alaska, and North-Kast Asia. In 
winter both forms migrate along the American coasts. The 
smaller bird is the variety which has been recorded from 
the Continents of Europe and Asia. 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 
PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial.—Pure white, except 
the oligniles: which are black. The forehead sometimes 
exhibits a rusty tinge. 
Adult female nuptial. —Similar in plumage to the male. 
Adult winter, male and female.—Similar to the nuptial 
plumage. 
Immature, male and femaie-—The greater portion of the 
plumage is shaded grey. 
Brak. Red, with a greyish-white tip. 
Fer. Red. 
Ir1pEs. Dark brown. 
