The Flamingo 



at the mouth of the Rhone as well as in Spain, but its main 

 breeding grounds are in Africa. It nests in colonies, the 

 nests being conical structures, formed of mud, built near the 

 edge of the water. It is now definitely ascertained that it 

 sits with its long legs doubled up, and not straddle-legged 

 as was stated by early travellers. The food consists of 

 minute Crustacea and other insects. 



The adult is of a pale rose pink all over, darker on the 

 wing coverts. The quills are black. Legs pink ; bill rosy, 

 with black tip. The young are of a pale mottled brown. 

 Length about 5 ft. ; wing 15 in. 



THE GREY LAG GOOSE 



Anser cinereus, Meyer 



Although about a century ago this bird used to nest in 

 the fens of Cambridge and Lincolnshire, it has long since 

 ceased to do so, and the only places where it may still be 

 found breeding in these islands are in the north of Scotland 

 and in the Outer Hebrides. In winter it occurs on our 

 coasts in company with other species of Geese, but it is by 

 no means common, and the majority pass on to the south, 

 reappearing on their way north in spring. The food consists 

 chiefly of grass and other green food, which it seeks on salt 

 marshes near the sea by day, retiring to the shore to rest at 

 night. It is the only Goose that breeds in our islands. 

 The nest is begun in the middle of April and consists merely 

 of a " scrape " amongst the grass or heather which is lined, 



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