88 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
minima, B. leucopsis, B. bernicla, B. nigricans, B. ruficollis. 
Some of the above appear to be almost identical, and the varia- 
tions in colour or size which has caused them to be separately 
distinguished, seems to be due mainly to their geographical 
distribution. 
COMMON BERNICLE. 
(Branta leucopsis. Bernicla leucopsts). 
It was of this bird that was current the ancient snpersti- 
tion that the Barnacle, a shell-fish which attaches itself to rotten 
wood, and other objects in the sea, developed in time into a 
bird. The similarity of the name, and the fancied resemblance 
of the feathery body of the mollusc protruding from the half- 
open shell, easily accounts for this absurd fable. The Bernicle 
is an ordinary winter visitor to the British Islands, and breeds 
during the summer months in Northern Russia, Greenland, and 
Iceland, migrating in large flocks to winter in Southern Europe. 
Its nest is composed of moss, dried herbage, and down, being 
usually placed in a sheltered position under low shrubs, or 
among rocks. It is easily domesticated, breeding freely in 
captivity, during May and June. In the winter live specimens 
brought from Holland may usually be purchased at about 20s. 
a couple. 
Male. —About four and a half pounds in weight. Fore- 
head, cheeks, and chin white; a black band from eye to bill; 
nape of neck, throat, upper back and breast glossy-black ; back, 
shoulders, and wings silvery grey, each feather edged with black 
and white ; tail black; lower breast and abdomen white; bill 
and legs black; eye dark brown. 
Female.—Resembles the male. 
Young.—Olive-grey in down. In first plumage the head 
is white, spotted with black, with a buff tinge, and the black 
part of the plumage is rusty ; legs brownish-black. 
