•596 THE BLACK BRANT. 



there about fii'st of May, and breeding all along the i-iver to the sea. On the Atlantic coast it 

 is rare. Audubon found them arriving just before the Canada Goose in considendile numbers 

 in Kentucky, betaking themselves to the grassy ponds. Of the different species in tliis country 

 this is the least sliy. The flocks seldom reach above thirty to fifty individuals. 



The male is twenty-seven and one-quarter inches long, and sixty inches in extent of wing. 

 The sexes are nearly alike in plumage ; the female being a little less in size. The bill is con- 

 spicuous as carmine red. 



The European "White-fronted (ioose is seen on this side the Atlantic at rare intervals as a 

 straggler. 



Tjie Canada Goose {Bernicla canadensis), or common "Wild Goose" of the Eastern 

 States, inhabits the whole of North America, breeding in the United States as well as farther 

 north. It is accidental in Europe. Dr. Hayden states that it breeds on the Yellowstone, and 

 Cones found it breeding in North Carolina. In the former region it was seen breeding in trees. 



Dr. Coues says: "This fact of arboreal nidification is probably little known, and might 

 even be doubted by some ; but, although I have not myself seen the nests in the trees, I am 

 perfectly satisiied of the reliability of the accounts fui'uished me by several persons, among 

 whom I need only mention Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Ilayden's pai'ty. While I was in Montana, 

 I found the circumstance to be a matter of common information among residents, who 

 expressed sui-prise that it was not generally known. The birds are stated to build in the 

 heavy timber along the large streams, and to ti'ansport the young in their bills to the water. 

 This corresponds to the habit in the wood duck, while it is paralleled to the example of the 

 herring gull, which, according to Audubon, has been seen breeding in communities in trees, 

 though ordinarily it breeds on the ground." The Noddy Tern is another example. The 

 editor of this edition has seen considerable numbeis of this tern breeding among the low 

 bushes of the islands of Florida Reef. 



A variety of this species is called Hutchen's Goose. Dall found it very abundant in 

 Alaska. This variety is peculiar to the AVestern States and Territories. 



Another variety is called the White-cheeked Goose. 



TiiE Lakgeu WiiiTE-tiiEEKED GoosE {Bemicla canadensis occidentalis.) Most people 

 have heard the honk hank of the Wild Geese, and have seen the triangular or V-shaped group 

 as they i)ass overhead ; sometimes in heavy weathei' being within gunshot of the earth. 



The Canada Goose does not, tliough gregarious, seem to be fond of the company of other 

 species, as is the case with some. During its migrations it is always unaccompanied by any 

 excei)ting its own kind. Its fligiit is strong, rapid, and extremely steady. The flock when 

 migrating flies at about a mile in height. A variety of this Goose is now recognized as 

 the ^Vhite-cheeked Goose. 



Black Brant {Bernicla nigricans). This bird is common to North America and Europe, 

 but rare on the Paciflc coast. This form — the nigricans — is rare on the Atlantic side, where 

 the common Brant is more familiar. At Egg Harbor the Brant is expected about the first of 

 October, or a trifle earlier. The flrst flocks remain but a few days, and then pass on to the 

 south. On reconunencing their journey, they collect in one large body, and making an 

 extensive spiral course, some miles in diameter, rise to a great height, and then steer for 

 the sea, over which they uniforndy travel, often making wide cinmits to avoid passing over 

 a small projecting point of land. Flocks continue to arrive, many remaining until December. 

 The Brant never dives, but feeds at low water on the flats. The voice is harsh and " honlcing.'"' 

 About the fifteenth of May they are seen coming north, but do not stop long, going on to their 

 breeding-places far north. The weight of this bird is about four ]X)unds, and its length two 

 feet; the extent of wing three feet and six inches. The sexes are almost alike in color — 

 indeed, they cannot be distinguished. 



AVith the lovers of water-fowl the Brant is highly esteemed. " May Brant" is a term well 

 appreciated by them. 



The Common Brant (B. hrenfa) is regarded as a distinct species. 



