CANADA GOOSE 



172. Branta canadensis. 38 in. 



The best known and most widely distributed of our 

 geese. In the northern states they are always eagerly 

 looked for in the Spring, for theii arrival is a sure 

 indication that the backbone of Winter has broken. 

 Their familiar honking is heard long before the thin, 

 wavering, black, V-shaped line appears on the horizon; 

 as it draws nearer, the volume of sound increases, re- 

 sembling the baying of a pack of hounds, and at last, 

 the flock sweeps overhead with deafening cries; large 

 birds, with long necks fully outstretched, wings beating 

 the air in unison, and all following the leadership of 

 one bird in their journey over their invisible path. 



Nest. Of grasses and feathers, on marshes or near 

 ponds; 4 to 9 buffy drab eggs (3.50x2.50) ; May, June, 



Range. Breeds from Labrador, Dakota, and British 

 Columbia northward; winters in Southern U. S. 172a. 

 Hutchins Goose (B. c. hutchinsii) is smaller (31 in.) 

 and found in Western N. A., casually east of the Miss. 

 172c. Cackling Goose (B. c. minima) is still smaller 

 (24 in.) ; is found in the same range. 



107 



