352 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



period of its moult. The note of this species is a short, loud, and 

 trumpet-like clang, variously modulated. A flock of Bernacle 

 Geese whilst feeding will keep up a constant chatter among them- 

 selves, and it should be stated that sentinels are stationed to keep 

 watch and to give the alarm in case of danger approaching. 



Nidification. — It is rather remarkable that nothing absolutely 

 is known of the breeding habits of this Goose. The nesting 

 grounds of the great flocks that come south in winter are still 

 undiscovered. It has, however, repeatedly been induced to breed 

 in captivity, and by this means its eggs are known. They are 

 creamy white, rather rough in texture, and without gloss. They 

 are rather larger than those of the Brent Goose, and measure on 

 an average 2-85 inches in length by i'95 inch in breadth. It may 

 safely be inferred that the Bernacle Goose rears only one brood 

 in the year, and the eggs are probably laid early in June, seeing 

 that the birds have been discovered in full moult and incapable 

 of flight on the 22nd of July in Spitzbergen. 



Diagnostic Characters. — Bemicla, with the hind half of the 

 head and the neck black, and with the fore half of the head white, 

 except the lores and the feathers at the base of the upper man- 

 dible, which are black. Length, 25 inches. 



