780 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



during the heat of the day, rest on some sand-bank in the large 

 rivers, or in the middle of a tank. This Goose is a wary bird, 

 approached with difficulty when feeding, but may occasionally be 

 stalked when on the bank of a river or tank ; I have often killed it 

 from a boat. The flesh is excellent. In the wild state it breeds 

 in Northern Europe and Asia, making a large nest among the 

 rushes, and laying from eight to twelve whitish eggs. It is the 

 origin of the domestic Goose. It is very similar to, and is occa- 

 sionally confounded with the Bean-goose of England, A segetum, 

 but that species is smaller, with the bill proportionally smaller 

 and differing in colour. 



946. Anser brachyrhynchus, Baillon. 



Blyth, Cat. 1756, — A. phamicopus, Bartlett. 



The pink-footed Goose. 



Descr. — Head and upper part of neck brown, the lower 

 part of the neck reddish-ashy ; body above brownish cinereous, 

 with white undulations ; the longest of the scapulars edged with 

 white ; upper tail-coverts black, a few of the longest white ; lesser 

 and median wing-coverts bluish-ashy, edged with white ; the two 

 first primaries bluish, the others black ; tail black ; breast and 

 upper abdomen ashy-whitish ; lower abdomen and under tail- 

 coverts pure white. 



Bill much smaller than in the last, fleshy-red or purplish, the. 

 base and the nail black ; feet pinkish-red. Length 27 inches ; 

 wing 17 ; tail 5h ; bill at front If ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe 3. 



This species is said to occur in the Punjab and Western India, 

 Mr. Blyth stating that he has seen an undoubted drawing of this 

 Goose made in the Punjab. Captain Irby also records it from 

 Oudh. It is an inhabitant of Northern and Central Europe. 



947. A. albifrons, Gmelin. 



Anas apud Gmelin— Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 289. 

 The White-fronted Goose. 



Descr. — Head and neck brownish, shaded with reddish ; forehead 

 and part of the cheeks white, surrounded by a dark brown band ; 

 body above dull ashy-brown, with reddish-white margins to the 



