1G0 WILD FOWL OF INDIA. 



common Goose. Blyth considers the common domestic Goose of 

 India to be a hybrid between this and A.-cinereus. A. canadensis, L., 

 a large Goose with a long black neck, was also considered to 

 belong to the Swans by Cuvier. It is now classed among the 

 Bernacle Geese. A handsome group of Geese, typified by A. picta, 

 Pallas, and A. magellanica, Gml., is found in the icy regions, both 

 Arctic and Antarctic, and has been named Ckloepliaga by Eyton ; 

 A. jubata, Lath., from Australia, has been separated as Chlamy- 

 dochen. The former of these, however, have tracheal labyrinths, 

 and, if they do not belong to the Tadorriince, unite those birds 

 to the Geese. 



The sub-family Cereopsina comprises only one genus and one 

 species, Cereopsis Novm Hollandice, which has a small bill extend- 

 ing back on the forehead, long legs bare above the joint, and 

 a tracheal labyrinth. It seldom enters water. This curious 

 Goose appears to have some affinities with both the Rasoves and 

 Grailatores. 



Sub-fam. Plectropterin^e, Spurred Geese. 



Wings generally with one or more spurs on the shoulder. Bill, 

 in most, furnished with a boss or protuberance at the base. 

 Legs in general long. Plumage glossed black and white. Sexes 

 alike, or nearly so. 



The Spur-winged Geese form a small group typified by Anas 

 gambensis, L., of Africa, of which the Muscovy Duck, A, 

 moschata, is an aberrant form, having unusually short legs. The 

 male is said to guard the nest during incubation. There is only 

 one species in India. 



Gen. Sarkidiornis, Eyton. 



Syn. Plectropterus, Leach (partly). 



Char. — Bill lengthened, of nearly equal width throughout; that 

 of the males usually furnished with a naked, compressed, fleshy 

 protuberance on the culmen ; wings with one or more tubercles or 

 blunt spurs at the shoulder; 1st and 2nd primaries sub-equal 

 and longest ; legs lengthened ; feet large ; tarsus with sub-quadrate 

 scales. Of large size. Plumage glossy black above. Sexes nearly 

 alike in colour, but the males much larger than the females. 



