158 



OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



same way (the goose being preferred where size is desired), but 

 in some points of character, structure, and habits they are quite 

 different. 



Description. In general appearance a goose resembles a duck 

 so closely that people not familiar with both often mistake large 

 white ducks for geese, but no one that knows either kind well 

 is likely to make mistakes in the identity of any of the common 



varieties. While 

 many of the small 

 domestic geese 

 are no heavier 

 than the largest 

 ducks, geese are 

 on the average 

 more than twice 

 as large as ducks. 

 Their legs are 

 longer and much 

 stronger. Their 

 bills are larger 

 at the juncture 

 with the head and 

 smaller and more 

 pointed at the tip. 

 While ducks are 

 usually very timid, geese are bold, and this makes a marked 

 difference in their attitude when approached and also in the 

 carriage of their bodies. They are very strong birds, quite able 

 to defend themselves against the attacks of small animals and 

 from annoyance by children. Indeed, they are very likely to 

 take an aggressive attitude toward persons or animals that they 

 regard as trespassers, and a large gander when angry is a dan- 

 gerous customer. A blow from his wing might knock a child 

 down or even break a small child's arm. 



FIG. 140. Emden Geese 



