HUTCHINS' GOOSE. 71 



on the Atlantic coast. Breeds- on islands and along the shores 

 of the Arctic Ocean and on the islands of the Aleutian chain. 



Adult. — A small edition of the common Wild or Canada Goose, 

 this bird is almost precisely similar in the color of its plumage, 

 but is less in all its dimensions and has only from fourteen to 

 sixteen tail feathers. The under parts are light brownish gray, 

 gradually fading into the white of the anal region. The chin is 

 black, but sometimes there is a white spot at the base of the 

 mandible beneath. Like all the species of Geese the measure- 

 ments vary considerably among individuals, but the largest 

 Hutchins will -rarely, if ever, equal in size the smallest Canada 

 Goose. The number of tail feathers, however, will always 

 serve to distinguish the two species. Total length will average 

 about 30 inches; wing, about i&J; tail, 5; tarsus, i\\ and bill 

 along culmen, i-J. Tail feathers, 14-16. 



