CANADA GOOSE 
172. Branta canadensis. 38 in. 
The best known and most widely distributed of our 
geese. In the northern states they are always eagerly 
looked for in the Spring, for their arrival is a sure 
indication that the backbone of Winter has_ broken. 
Their familiar honking is heard long before the thin, 
wavering, black, V-shaped line appears on the horizon; 
as it draws nearer, the volume of sound increases, re- 
sembling the baying of a pack of hounds, and at last, 
the flock sweeps overhead with deafening cries; large 
birds, with long necks fully outstretched, wings beating 
the air in unison, and all following the leadership of 
one bird in their journey over their invisible path. 
Nest.—Of grasses and feathers, on marshes or near 
ponds; 4 to 9 buffy drab eggs (3.50 x 2.50); May, June 
Range.—Breeds from Labrador, Dakota, and British 
Columbia northward; winters in Southern U. 8. 172a. 
Hutchins Goose (B. e. hutehinsii) is smaller (31 in.) 
and found in Western N. A., casually east of the Miss. 
172¢. Cackling Goose (B. ¢. minima) is still smaller 
(24 in.) ; is found in the same range. 
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