OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 321 



further investigation may yet prove that the two birds are only subspecifically 

 distinct. The note of the Pink-footed Goose, however, is said to be sharper and 

 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 the bird also 

 subsists on precisely similar fare. Eeferring to the peculiar habit of the Bean 

 Goose of squatting close to the ground in the same manner as a Norfolk Plover 

 when alarmed, Mr. Trevor-Battye remarks : " The Pink-footed Geese of Spitz- 

 bergen behave in the same way if they have their young with them. Provided 

 the ground is not too steep, they run for long distances, sometimes even along the 

 edge of the water without entering it. Pink-footed Geese are remarkably quick 

 upon their legs, and the young birds when half-grown can run as fast as the old 

 ones ; the latter, if hurried, run with outstretched wings, which hinder them 

 against the wind, but if too closely pressed the goose which leads (the gander 

 brings up the rear) will suddenly drop, and the whole party follow her example. 

 You can then walk up and look at them lying there, all in precisely the same 

 attitude, with bodies flattened down and necks outstretched on the ground, so 

 that you must stir them up in order to start them off again." 



Nidification. — 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 cliffs either in the fiords or at some distance inland, but Mr. Trevor-Battye 

 remarks that in Spitzbergen it seldom nests by the sea, but retires inland, choosing 

 as a site some elevated point overlooking a stream or lake, but occasionally it 

 selects a small island. 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 3'16 

 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. One brood only 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. 



31 



