175 



EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 



VtlPA5SEB, OF THE ANCIENTS. 



Anser ^Egyptiacus, ..... TsmsuEas. 



Anser Egyptiacus, ...... Jextcs. 



Chenalopcr Egyptiaca, ..... Gould. 



Jims Egyptiaca, ...... Ee'wick. 



Oie Egyptienne, ...... Teiesltsce. 



Anser — A Goose. JEgypUacus — Egyptian. 



The readiness with, which this bird is tamed; and lives and breeds in confinement, 

 has led to its introduction into many of our parks, and other private grounds. From 

 these, many have strayed into the surrounding country, and, having been shot, have 

 figured in the local papers. In addition to these, however, many have occurred in an 

 undoubtedly wild state; and the distance of their native haunts is no bar, certainly, to 

 their migration to our shores. On one occasion, a flock of eighty birds of this species 

 was seen in Hampshire. Dr. Scouler, of Glasgow, has also recorded the shooting, in 

 November, 1832, of two females and one male, at Campsie, about seven miles from 

 Glasgow, the plumage of which was in an extremely perfect condition, and unlike tame 

 birds which had strayed. They have also been obtained in Somersetshire, near Bridge- 

 water; in Norfolk and Dorsetshire; and in the Isle of Man. In 1846, five were seen 

 in Eomney Marsh, in Kent, but very wild, as recorded by Dr. Plomley. In 1848, two 

 occurred in Susses, in January; and are stated by William Borrer, Esq., Jun. to have 

 exhibited all the appearance of being truly wild. It has been obtained several times 

 near Oxford. 



In Ireland it has been occasionally shot, but Mr. Thompson considers the specimens 

 that have been obtained to have strayed from parks and preserves. 



Its natural habitat is the whole of Africa. 



The habits of this Goose do not appear to be naturally different from those of the 

 other Geese; its wariness is very great, and led to one of its generic names being given 

 to it, namely, Chenalopex, meaning a Fox-Goose; that is, exhibiting the cunning of the Fox. 



