374 Synopsis of the Birds 



second, which is generally longest. Tail short, of from 

 twelve to twenty feathers. 



Female smaller, in many species differing greatly, and far 

 less brilliant than the male. Young very different from the 

 adult, resembling the female, sometimes not getting their full 

 dress until the second or third year. 



Gregarious, except in breeding time, when they pair, and 

 then prefer fresh «ater; during winter and autumn affecting 

 the sea coasts. Feed on fishes, reptiles, mollusca, insects, 

 some species also on vegetable substances, especially seeds, 

 getting their food from the shore or from under water, by 

 means of their sensible bill. Monogamous : build on the 

 ground : eggs numerous, of one color. Female only incu- 

 bating. Young leave the nest, swim, and provide for them- 

 selves as soon as hatched, the parents merely leading and pro- 

 tecting them. Walk in a vacillating and embarrassed man- 

 ner. Swim with great facility and much grace, some with 

 agility above or beneath the surface, many plunging merely 

 their head under water, when searching for prey, while others 

 submerge their entire body, and continue under for a long 

 period. Flight rapid, sustained for several days at a time. 

 The greater part easily tamed. Highly useful to man : flesh 

 and eggs excellent : down employed for several uses ; feathers 

 most valuable of all, best for graphic purposes. 



A. Bill stout, depressed, obtuse. 

 71. ANSER. 



Anser, Briss. Bechst. Meyer. 111. Vieill. Brekm. Anser, 

 Cygnus, Cuv. Anas, L. Gm. Lath. Temm. Ranz. Oie, 

 Temm. Plectropterus, Cygnus, Anser, Chenalopex, Bernicla, 

 Cheniscus, of modern English authors. Tadorna, Bernicla, 

 Cheu, Anser, Boie. 



Bill short or moderate, stout, at base higher than broad, 

 somewhat conic, cylindrical, depressed towards the point, 



