NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 79 



So far as I can glean, the breeding habits are the same as those of 

 the Canada Goose, nesting by the side of rivers, lakes and in marshes. 



The eggs of the Lesser Snow Goose are from five to eight in num- 

 ber; their color is yellowish-white, and measure about 3.13x2.12. 



[171.] Anser albifrons (Gm.) [593.] 



^n^hlte-fronted Ooose. 



Hab. Northern parts of Eastern Hemisphere and Greenland. 



The White-fronted Goose of the Old World, which very closely 

 resembles the American species, is distributed in its migrations through- 

 out various sections of Europe, but is more abundant in the eastern 

 than in the western portions. Said to extend its migrations into Cen- 

 tral Africa, almost to the Equator. It breeds near the coast-line of the 

 Arctic Ocean in Europe and Asia, and also on the lakes, larger rivers, 

 bays and inlets. There is no difference between the general habits of 

 this species and those of the American bird. It nests on the ground, in 

 the immediate vicinity of water, making a large structure of sticks 

 and hay which is lined with down. 



The eggs are from four to six in number, yellowish-white in color, 

 and measure about 3.10x2.05. 



171a. Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartl.) [5933.] 



American 'White-fronted Goose. 



Hab. North America, breeding far northward; in winter, south to Mexico and Cuba. 



Often called "Laughing Goose." It is of large size and robust 

 form, may be known by its white forehead and spotted breast. A very 

 handsome bird and a favorite with sportsmen. Large numbers are 

 often killed on the lakes and reservoirs in spring and fall. 



The White-fronted Goose is common throughout the whole of 

 ISIorth America, but is more abundant on the Pacific coast than in the 

 interior or along the Atlantic. It flies in V-shaped flocks, frequently 

 uttering a loud, harsh cry, which may be heard at a considerable dist- 

 ance. This species breeds in high latitudes and is particularly abund- 

 ant in Alaska, nesting in large numbers along the Yukon river, laying 

 its eggs in depressions in the sand. Said to breed also on Stuart's 

 Island and other islands along the coast. Its favorite resorts are in the 

 vicinity of fresh-water lakes. Along the Lower Anderson river, on the 

 Arctic coast and on the islands of the Arctic Sea this species breeds in 

 abundance in June and July. The nests are made in a depression of 

 the ground, and made of hay, feathers and down. Dr. Brewer states 

 that nests found by Mr. MacFarlane were generally found in wooded 

 districts. 



The eggs are six or seven in number, and measure from 2.90 to 



