334 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



mandibles ; the bare skin between the bill and the eye 

 is of the same colour as the base of the bill. 



The irides are orange, the legs and toes crimson- 

 scarlet. 



ANATIDJE. 



384. PlectropteniS gambensis (Linn.). Western Spur-wing Goose. 



Pkctropterus gambensis, Sclater, in Proc. Zool. Soc. 1859, pi. 153. fig. 2. 



Layard's Cat. No. 646. 



Anser gambensis, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 422. 



This noble bird is not uncommon on the river Oka- 

 vango and at Lake Ngami ; it is also found on the river 

 Teoughe ; but I am not aware that it has been met with 

 in either Damara or Great Namaqua Land. 



It is generally found in small flocks, and presents a 

 conspicuous object when standing erect in the marshes 

 to which it resorts. 



It is said to perch and roost occasionally on trees. 



A full-grown well-conditioned male will sometimes 

 weigh as much as fifteen pounds ; but twelve pounds is a 

 more usual weight. 



The flesh of this Goose is palatable. 



Measurements of a specimen believed to be a male, 

 and of a female : 



Male. Female, 



in. lin. in. lin. 



Entire length 44 8 37 9 



Length of folded wing ... 21 3^ 183 



tarsus 50 39 



middle toe .... 4 9 42 



tail 10 79 



bill 39 32 



