EGYPTIAN GOOSE 193 



families occasionally gather in larger companies, which, however, do not have the 

 "united volition" of an ordinary flock of wild-fowl (Blanford, 1870). When about 

 to proceed for a considerable distance these flocks do, however, appear to assume 

 the well-known wedge-formation. Heinroth (1911) says that they announce their 

 intention to fly by an up-and-downward movement of the bill, a fact which he re- 

 corded in the Berlin Gardens. 



Gait. As von Heuglin (1873) remarks, these birds do not easily take to flight, but 

 walk or run slowly, chattering as they go, and finally take wing, only to alight again 

 in the same place. Their gait is gooselike and erect, the neck being carried straight 

 or in S-shape; occasionally the male will even hold it as arched as a swan's. Though 

 they are able to run rapidly, one may detect a slight waddling motion, if the bird is 

 observed from behind (Naumann, 1896-1905). 



Swimming and Diving. Naumann (1896-1905) gives an excellent account of the 

 behavior of these birds when on the water. In swimming, the forward part is sub- 

 merged to an unusual depth, while the rump is carried so high that when paddling 

 away the bird's feet are ordinarily visible. When worried, pursued, or weary, they 

 carry the body more horizontally, and it is submerged as far as the wings, the tail 

 dragging and the neck stretched forward. On the whole the birds seem averse to 

 swimming and are not really at home on the water. 



It is rather remarkable that this goose should be an agile diver, but the extensive 

 testimony of observers eliminates the possibility of doubt on this point. A. E. 

 Brehm (1879) states that they dive for food, swimming considerable distances at 

 some depth, and paddling with wings and feet. Certainly when wounded, they show 

 great skill in effecting their escape by diving. Even when moulting and incapable of 

 flight, they dive with such agility that they are exceedingly difficult to kill (Layard, 

 1875-84; Finsch and Hartlaub, 1870; A. Chapman, 1921). The young birds also are 

 excellent divers (von Heuglin, 1873; R. and V. van Someren, 1911). 



Abel Chapman in his account of these geese on the White Nile thought that the 

 great facility in diving was merely a temporary faculty developed to tide moulting 

 birds over the danger period, and he did not consider that full-winged birds when 

 wounded were particularly clever in this respect. 



Perching. Where suitable trees are to be found, the Egyptian Geese perch 

 readily and probably roost in them. R. and V. van Someren (1911) state that each 

 bird has its particular roosting place on the tree, and pushes off any intruder. In 

 northeastern Africa the birds apparently perch less commonly than in the more 

 tropical regions, such as equatorial Africa. 



