132 



cassell's book of birds. 



plumage. In this bird the head and nape are black, and the cheeks, throat, and gullet white or 

 greyish white ; the feathers on the upper part of the body are brownish grey with light edges ; those 

 on the breast and upper neck dark grey, and those on the rest of the under side pure white ; the 

 primary quills are blackish brown ; the secondaries and tail (the latter composed of sixteen or eighteen 

 feathers) are black. The eye is greyish brown, the beak black, and the foot blackish grey. The 

 length of the male is from thirty-five to thirty-six inches, and his breadth from sixty-three to sixty-five 

 inches ; the wing measures eighteen inches, and the tail seven and a half. The female is not quite so 

 large. The Canada Goose has frequently been shot in this country, and it is therefore included by 



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THE SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectrofterus Gambensis). ONE-FIFTH NATURAL SIZE. 



Yarrell amongst British birds. Large flocks have been seen in Cambridgeshire, and specimens have 

 been killed in Hampshire, Cornwall, and the Stilly Isles. A writer in the Magazine of Natural 

 History also gives an account of a small flock of these birds that frequented and made their nest 

 near Derby. This species, the Common Wild Goose of America, is well known throughout the United 

 States, both as a resident and migratory bird. It advances north about April and May, when the 

 disappearance of the snow and ice allows it to find berries and other vegetable matter ; and after 

 feeding for about three weeks, separates from the flock, and with its mate seeks such retired spots 

 for breeding as afford a supply of suitable food. The nest is usually made upon the ground, but 

 occasionally in trees, or in the deserted eyrie of a Raven or Fishing Hawk. Daring the breeding 

 season the Gander displays his courage to the greatest advantage. Audubon gives the following 



