OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 335 



Sea, and regularly along the coasts of Scandinavia, on passage, and winters in 

 the Baltic and on the coasts of Denmark, Holland, Belgium, and North France, 

 accidentally strajdng as far south as the Spanish Peninsula and Foggia, in the 

 Italian province of Capitanata. A pair v^ere seen some ten years ago by Mr. C. A. 

 Payton, near Mogador, in Morocco, in company vyith Buddy Sheldrakes. It 

 occurs as a straggler in the Shetlands and the Faroes, and has been known to 

 wander as far as the extreme southern shore of Hudson Bay. 



Allied forms. — Branta canadensis and its allied forms, all inhabitants of 

 the New World, from which the Bernacle Goose is readily distinguished by its 

 white instead of black forehead, and black instead of white upper breast. 



Habits. — Probably owing to its much more shy disposition, the Bernacle 

 Goose frequents wilder haunts than the Brent Goose, nor is it so much addicted 

 to the low shore or mud-banks. It is by far the most abundant, perhaps, from 

 the neighbourhood of the Solway northwards, along the wild, secluded coasts of 

 the Hebrides and the Scotch mainland. The Bernacle Goose is just as gregarious 

 as the Brent Goose during its sojourn in the British Islands, but, unlike that 

 species, it sometimes frequents inland waters, returning to them regularly every 

 year. Owing to the different nature of its food, the Bernacle Goose is much 

 more of a land bird than the Brent Goose, whilst, instead of feeding by day, it is 

 decidedly a night feeder. I am of opinion that this nocturnal habit is ancestral but 

 intensified through the bird's habitual shyness impelling it to select the time when 

 it is least likely to attract observation during its visits to land, especially in 

 civilised countries. Even when much disturbed at night, it is ready enough 

 to come ashore during the day. The Bernacle Goose frequents the mud-flats to 

 sleep and rest, but it does not feed much whilst there. Its food consists 

 principally of marsh grass, to obtain which the bird comes up from the sea to 

 the littoral saltings, and the banks of lakes and tidal rivers. The flight of this 

 Goose is quick and powerful, and the bird not only swims well, but is capable 

 of running very fast when wounded or during the helpless 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 themselves, and it should be stated that sentinels are stationed to 

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



Nidif ication. — 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 



