BIRDS 



177 



Fig. 121, — Grey-lag Goose [Attser cinereus) 



Smew {Mergus albellus); Goosander {M. merganser); Red-breasted Merganser' 

 {M. serrator); Velvet Scoter {CEdemia fused); Black Scoter (CE. nigra); Sheldrake 

 (Tadorna cornutd). 



Geese are heavier and clumsier birds than ducks, and there 

 is a curious knob on the tip of the bill. The domestic form is 

 in all probability- 

 descended from the 

 Grey -lag Goose 

 {Anser cinereus) 

 (fig. 121), which 

 breeds only in Bri- 

 tain, and ranges 

 from our islands 

 throughout Europe 

 and as far east as 

 China. The Egyp- 

 tian Goose {Chen- 

 alopex ^gyptiacus^ 

 was domesticated 

 by the ancient 

 Egyptians, who much appreciated it as an article of diet, as is 

 attested by sculptures. 



Other British geese besides the Grey-lag are: — White-fronted Geese {Anser 

 alMfrons) ; Pink-footed Geese (A. brachyrhynchus) ; Bean Geese {A. segetum) ; 

 Brent Geese (Bernicla brenta); Bernicle Geese {B. leucopsis). 



Swans are large birds related to the geese, but distinguished 

 by their long slender necks and shorter bills. The common White 

 or Mute Swan {Cygnus olor) is distributed through Europe, and 

 also ranges into Asia and North Africa. We have also Bewick's 

 Swan (C Bewickt) and the Whooper (C. musicus). Remarkable 

 species as regards colour are the Black Swan [Cygnus atratus) 

 of Australia and the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus nigricollis) 

 of the southern parts of South America. 



Flamingoes are large birds which give a general impression 

 of swans mounted on storks' legs, but are peculiar in regard to 

 the beak, which is very large and bent sharply downwards for 

 the greater part of its extent. The species are not very numerous, 

 but have a wide distribution, being absent, however, from the 

 colder regions of the globe and from Australia. The Common 



Vol. I. 



12 



