332 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



Bean Goose usually frequents the sea and the coast during the 

 night, coming inland to stubbles and fields of newly sown grain 

 in the day to feed. During long-continued frost they keep more 

 to the coast, but in rough, stormy weather they are more partial 

 to remaining in inland districts, from which, however, they soon 

 depart at the first signs of recurring frost. The flight of this 

 Goose is rapid and strong, and when passing from place to place 

 a wedge-shaped formation is usually assumed. Its note whilst 

 staying in our islands is the famihar gag-gag variously modulated. 

 Bean Geese when feeding on the inland fields usually post 

 sentinels here and there to give timely warning of the approach 

 of danger. Upon the water the Bean Goose swims well and 

 buoyantly, but it rises with apparent labour with a great flapping 

 of wings until well in the air. The food of this species consists 

 of grass, the tender shoots of grain, and the roots of various 

 plants. In autumn the bird picks up a great quantity of grain of 

 all kinds from the stubbles, and also frequents the newly sown 

 fields at that season and in spring to dig up the seed-corn, as 

 well as beans. Much of this food is sought at dawn. 



Nidification. — The breeding grounds of this bird are 

 situated on the northern tundras beyond or near the limits of 

 forest growth, in the vicinity of lakes and pools. The nest is 

 made early in June, and is usually placed amongst the tall rank 

 grass and sedge of an islet in the lake, or on a hillock on the 

 bank. It is merely a slight hollow lined with dry grass and other 

 vegetable refuse, and with down from the old bird's body. The 

 eggs are three or four in number, creamy white in colour, and 

 rather rough in texture. They measure on an average 3-2 inches 

 in length by 2-15 inches in breadth. Only one brood is reared 

 in the year. 



Diagnostic Characters.— .<4;^.fer, with the central portion 

 of the bill orange-yellow, black at the base and on the nail, and 

 with the legs and feet orange-yellow. Length, 34 inches. 



