82 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Anser albifrons). 



A winter visitor. Local, but found in suitable 

 localities. More abundant in Ireland. 



Haunts. Fenny districts and the like. 



Plumage. The most distinguishing feature is the 

 prominent white forehead. Under parts more marked 

 with black than in Grey-Lag Goose ; upper parts brown- 

 ish ash. Bill orange-yellow ; nail white. Legs orange. 

 Length 27 in. Female smaller, and less marked on the 

 breast. 



Language. A hoarse laughing kind of " ha-ha," 

 several times repeated, hence " Laughing " Goose. 



Habits. Like the last. 



Food. Like the last. 



Nidification. Breeds in Arctic regions. 



BEAN GOOSE (Anser segetum). 



A winter visitor, more especially to Scotland, north 

 and east coasts of England and Ireland. 



Haunts. Pastures, wolds, stubbles, &c., near the sea. 



Plumage. Generally much like the Grey-Lag, but 

 differing in the black to base and nail of bill, orange in 

 the middle, its darker colour with no bluish grey on the 

 shoulder, and no black markings on the breast. Legs 

 orange-yellow. Length 34 in. Female slightly smaller 

 but similar. 



Language. Much like the Grey-Lag. 



Habits. Like the Grey-Lag. 



Food. Grain chiefly, although it is also herbivorous. 



Nidification. Breeds in northern regions. 



