178 SPUR-WINGED GOOSE. 



But little seems to be known respecting the habits of this Goose; and we know nothing 

 as to its nest or eggs. 



Mr. Bewick's description of this bird, which is now in the Newcastle Museum, is as 

 follows : — "The bill is reddish yellow, with a jointed protuberance on the base of the 

 upper mandible. The upper part of the head and neck is dingy brown; the auriculars 

 and sides of the throat are white, spotted with brown ; the lower part of the neck, sides 

 of the breast, and all the upper plumage appear black; but this colour is lost, particu- 

 larly in the scapulars and tertials, which are most resplendently bronzed and glossed with 

 brilliant green, and most of the outer webs of the feathers partake of the same hue; on 

 the bend of the wings or wrist is placed a strong white horny spur turning upwards, 

 about five-eighths of an inch in length, and pointing rather inwards; the whole of the 

 edges of the wing, from the alula spuria to the elbow and shoulder, are white, all the 

 under parts the same. This beautiful bird is nearly of the bulk of the Wild Goose, but 

 its legs and toes are somewhat longer, and of a red or orange yellow." 



