334 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



mandibles ; the bare skin between the bill and the eye 

 is of the same colour as the base of the bill. 



The irides are orange, the legs and toes crimson- 

 scarlet. 



ANATID^. 



384. PlectropteruSgambensis(Limi.). Western Spur-wing Goose. 



Plectropterus gambensiSjSolater, in Proe.Zool. Soc. 1859, pi. 153. fig. 2. 



„ „ Layard's Cat. No. 646. 



Anser ganibensis, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 422. 



This noble bird is not uncommon on the river Oka- 

 vango and at Lake Ngami ; it is also found on the river 

 Teoughe ; but I am not aware that it has been met with 

 in either Damara or Great Namaqua Land. 



It is generally found in small flocks, and presents a 

 conspicuous object when standing erect in the marshes 

 to which it resorts. 



It is said to perch and roost occasionally on trees. 



A full-grown well-conditioned male will sometimes 

 weigh as much as fifteen pounds ; but twelve pounds is a 

 more usual weight. 



The flesh of this Goose is palatable. 



Measurements of a specimen believed to be a male, 

 and of a female : — 



Male. Female, 



in. lin. in. lin. 



Entire length 44 8 37 9 



Length of folded wing . . . 21 3^ . ... 18 3 



„ tarsus 50 39 



„ middle toe ....49 42 



„ tail 10 . . . .79 



bill 39.. ..32 



