478 



LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



lar to the adult, but the head and neck plumbeous, the former speckled with white, especially on 

 top ; the transverse Ijarring of the feathers less distinct than in the adult. Bill and feet dusky. 



Wing, 14.30-15.70 inches ; culmen, 1.40-1.6.5 ; tarsus, 2.60-2.85 ; middle toe, 2.40-2.50. 



In a very large series of fine adult specimens before us there is little appreciable variation in 

 colors, e.xcept in regard to the orange-rufous stain on the head, which is entirely wanting in some, 

 but in others very deep, and covering nearly the whole head. 



This species was introduced as a probable bird of ISTorth America by Professor 

 Baird, in tlie ninth volume of the " Pacihc Railroad Eeports." It had been said to 



be common among the Aleutian Islands ; 

 but according to the observations of 'Mv. 

 Dall, it was not seen in any of the regions 

 visited liy him. He was at some pains to 

 make inquiries in regard to it, and the ex- 

 istence of such a bird appeared to be un- 

 known to the natives of the islands visited 

 by him. It has been found, however, by- 

 Mr. Bannister on the Island of St. Mi- 

 chael's and on the Lower Yitkon, and aliout 

 its mouth by Mr. Pease and others. I\Ir. 

 Dall sj)eaks of it as a magnificent bird, and 

 states that it abounds in profusion in the 

 Kusilvak Slough, or mouth of the Yukon 

 River, to the exclusion of all other species. 

 His endeavors to reach that point being 

 unavailing, he was obliged to obtain speci- 

 mens elsewhere. It was quite scarce about 

 the Kwichpak Slough and on the sea-coast. 

 By means of a large reward, Mr. Dall ob- 

 tained four fine specimens from the marshes around Kutlik. This is the largest 

 of the Geese of that region ; and the delicate colors of the body, with the head and 

 nape snow-white, tipjied with rich amber-yellow, have a very beautiful effect. Its 

 eye is dark brown, and the feet are flesh-color. The eggs are said to be larger and 

 longer than those of A?iser Gambelt, and rather lirown fulvous, the color being in 

 minute dots. This bird rests on the ground in the manner of the other Geese. The 

 Eskimo name of this Goose i,s MachowtliUiik. The raw flesh and skin, ]\[r. Dall states, 

 have an intolerable odor of garlic, which renders skinning it a very disagreeable task ; 

 but on cooking this passes away, and he found the flesh tender and good eating. 



This species arrives at Alaska about the first of June, or earlier, according to the 

 season. As soon as the eggs are hatched the old birds begin to moult. Mr. Dall saw 

 half-moulted individuals at Pastolik, July 29, 18G7. This Goose remains longer than 

 any other, lingering until the whole sea-coast is fringed with ice, feeding on MytUus 

 edilis and other shellfish. It has been observed as late as November 1 by the Rus- 

 sians. It usually goes in pairs, or four or five together, rather than in large flocks. 

 Its note is shriller and clearer than that of A. Gumheli or of B. Hutchinsl, and it is 

 shyer than any of the Geese, except the Black Brant. 



Mr. Bannister states that two of this species were shot at St. IMichael's during the 

 period of his stay there, both of them young, and not in the best of plumage. This 

 bird cannot be regarded as common at that particular point ; but j\lr. Pease reported 

 having seen it in June in large numbers on the Lower Yukon while descending that 



