54 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
with diffidence, not being absolutely certain as to whether it is 
Plectropterus niger or the preceding species Plectropterus 
gambensts, the bird examined not appearing to be in all respects 
like the young of that variety. 
The specimen which I had on my own pond was an 
adult female, and was identified at its death and added to the 
Cromwell Road collection. 
Male.—General appearance resembling P. gambensis, 
Head and neck bronzy black, as is also the throat and under 
body ; a small white patch on the lower abdomen; back and 
scapulars white, with a greenish lustre; wings bronzy purple ; 
bill bright red, with the tip whiteish ; eye black; legs and feet 
dull red. 
Female.—Similar but smaller. 
Young.—Entire plumage brownish-black, with greenish 
lustre on wings ; a line of white feathers round lower mandible 
and encircling eye; lower belly white; shoulder white; a few 
white feathers under chin; bill red, without protuberance, tip 
bluish-white ; eye large, almost black, encircled by a narrow 
rim of red skin; legs long, light red; long toes, broad web; 
shoulders terminating in spurs nearly half an inch long. Size, 
that of a hen turkey. 
Egg.—No information. 
SHOA SPUR-WINGED GOOSE. 
(Plectropterus sctoanus ). 
This bird is very similar to the black variety, and about 
the same size. It has not been imported alive into this country. 
