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 27 in. ; wing 16 in. 



RED-BREASTED GOOSE 

 Bernicla ruficollis (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 I4'5 in. 



COMMON SHELD-DUCK 



Tadorna cornuta {Gmeliri) 



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. 



