334 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



more quickly repeated. The flocks of this Goose that visit our 

 islands every autumn frequent the stubbles, fields, and marshes 

 inland during the day, and on moonlight nights, to feed, and 

 retire to the coast at the approach of darkness to sleep, generally 

 frequenting some low island or sandbank for the purpose. The 

 flight of this Goose is very similar to that of the Bean Goose, 

 and it also subsists on precisely similar fare. 



Nidiiication. — But little is known of the breeding habits of 

 the Pink-footed Goose. Early in the summer it frequents its 

 breeding grounds in small flocks, but these eventually separate 

 into pairs. The eggs are laid in June, and the young are 

 hatched about the middle or towards the end of the following 

 month. They are said to make their nests on low rocks near 

 the sea, or in higher clifi's either in the fjords or at some distance 

 inland. The nest is not known to differ from that of the pre- 

 ceding species. The eggs are four or five in number, white or 

 creamy white in colour, and somewhat smooth in texture. They 

 measure on an average 3'i5 inches in length by 2 '15 inches in 

 breadth. Incubation, performed by the female, lasts twenty-eight 

 days. The male keeps constant watch close to the nest, to warn 

 or defend his mate. Only one brood is reared in the year. 



Diagnostic Characters. — Anser, with the central portion of 

 the bill usually pink, but sometimes orange-yellow, black at the 

 base and on the nail, and with the legs and feet flesh colour. 

 Length, 28 inches. 



