328 THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



where it is a rare straggler, it is not so shy as the other Geese, probably because 

 it is so much smaller. Its flight is said to be much quicker, and the bird has 

 more command over itself in the air, owing to the wings being proportionately 

 longer and more pointed. It is also less noisy than the other Geese, and is fond 

 of the society of other species, but neither feeds nor flies in their immediate 

 company. It is said also to be more aquatic in its habits, but its food is not 

 known to differ from that of its congeners. 



Nidification. — -Little or nothing is known of the breeding habits of this 

 species. The nest is said to resemble that of the other allied Geese and to be 

 placed in a similar position. The eggs are from five to seven in number, creamy- 

 white in colour, and measure on an average 2'9 inches in length by 2'0 inches in 

 breadth. 



Diagnostic characters. — Anser, with the bill very small, orange-yellow 

 in colour, white on the nail ; with the legs and feet orange-yellow, and with a 

 considerable amount of white plumage on the forehead extending backwards on 

 to the crown. Adults as in preceding race, but dark markings more clearly 

 defined. Length, 20 to 24 inches. 



