106 
AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 
l7la. Anser albifrons gambeli. 28 in. 
Forehead, white; head and neck gray: under parts 
mixed black and white; feet yellow; bill pinkish; eye 
brown. These geese reach the U. 8. on their return from 
the Aretic regions about the first of October; they are 
very abundant on the Pacific coast and fairly common 
in the Mississippi Valley, but are rare on the Atlantic 
coast. They are very noisy birds and in some sections 
of the country are known as Laughing Geese. From 
being shot at so frequently, they are very wild and 
difficult to approach, sentinels being stationed to give 
alarm if danger approaches, when they are feeding. 
Notes.—A confused honking, likened to laughter. 
Nest.—Of grasses on the ground, usually in marshes; 
nearly always lined with down from the breast of the 
female. The four to nine eges are buffy (3.00 x 2.05) ; 
May, June. 
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions, chiefly west of 
Hudson Bay; winters south to the Gulf coast and Calif.; 
rare on the Atlantic coast. 
