102 Figgins, Races of Branta canadensis. [j" n 



but few intergrades and the majority of birds typical of hutchinsi," 

 of the nearly forty examples of Branta from Nebraska, Colorado and 

 Louisiana, none were found that did not show at least one meas- 

 urement that exceeded the maximum of hutchinsi — all others being 

 well within the limits of canadensis and hence referable to the latter. 

 Swarth's conclusion, . . . . " We should find here, as is actually the 

 case, vast numbers of typical minima, a lesser number of inter- 

 grades, and comparatively few typical hutchinsi,'" must, therefore, 

 be viewed in the light of strong evidence of hybridism, rather than 

 subspecific difference. 



Authorities agree that the measurements of occidentalis are within 

 those of canadensis and the number of rectrices are the same. 

 It is shown that the color and markings accredited to occidentalis also 

 occur in canadensis. Coues evidently questioned the distinctness 

 of Baird's type specimen and shows that it was much smaller than 

 the minimum measurements now assigned to occidentalis. Swarth's 

 description: "(2), slightly smaller size, that is, the maximum of 

 occidentalis is below the largest canadensis. (3) Proportionally 

 longer tarsus," will probably not be taken seriously by most orni- 

 thologists and hence, occidentalis appears to be without the slightest 

 grounds for subspecific recognition. 



It is, therefore, proposed that "hutchinsi" and "occidentalis" 

 be eliminated as subspecific forms, that minima be raised to specific 

 rank and that the occasional "inextricable" examples be recognized 

 as hybrids. 

 Colorado Museum Nat. Hist., Denver, Colo. 



