Family ANATID^. 

 Subfamily ANSERINE or GEESE. 



The birds included in the present subfamily are distinguished 

 from their allies by having the lores covered with feathers and 

 the tarsus reticulated all round. They are further distinguished 

 from the Swans by their longer tarsus (longer than the middle 

 toe) and much shorter neck ; whilst from the Ducks their short, 

 robust, subcorneal (and in many cases higher than broad at the 

 base) bill is an additional distinction. Sexes nearly alike in 

 colour. One moult in autumn. 



This subfamily is composed of about forty species, referable 

 to several genera. Nearly cosmopolitan ; most widely dispersed 

 in winter. 



