304 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
BERNACLE GOOSE 
Bernicla leucopsis (Beckstein) 
This Goose inhabits Arctic Europe, but is not uncommon 
in winter along the west coast of the United Kingdom as far 
south as Lancaster, as well as on the north coast of Ireland. 
Elsewhere in these islands it is decidedly rare. It feeds on 
grass pastures near the sea, invariably by night. 
This species is commonly kept in captivity, when it breeds 
freely. 
The crown of the head, neck, and upper breast are black ; 
mantle grey, barred with black and white; forehead, cheeks, 
and chin white. Under parts greyish. Tail-coverts pure 
white. Length 27in.; wing 16in. 
RED-BREASTED GOOSE 
Bernicla ruficolles (Pallas) 
Only one or two examples of this exceedingly rare autumn 
and winter migrant have been obtained in this country. It 
inhabits Northern Siberia, and during migration is met with 
in the extreme east of Europe. 
The general colour above is black; the ear patches, throat, 
and breast chestnut; lores and belly white; chin black. 
Length from 20 to 22 in. ; wing 14°5 in. 
COMMON SHELD-DUCK 
Tadorna cornuta (Gmelzn) 
This species is with us throughout the year. It breeds in 
burrows on sand dunes near our large rivers and the sea. The 
adults are handsome birds, their plumage being variegated 
blackish green, black, chestnut, and white. The young in 
first plumage are duller than the old birds. Length 24 to 
25 in. 
