Genus CHENALOPEX, Antigq. 
_ Gen. Cuar. Beak as long as the head, slender, straight, its tip rounded, the margin lami- 
» 
nated ; the upper mandible curved, its tip hooked; the lower mandible flat. Nostrils 
_ placed at the basal portion of the beak. Wings armed with spurs. Legs placed in the 
equilibrium of the body, four-toed ; the anterior toes entirely webbed, the hinder one 
simple ; tarsi somewhat elongated. 
EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 
Chenalopex Egyptiaca, Steph. 
LOie dEgypie. 
On comparing the present species with the other members of its family, it will be found to differ in form from 
every one of them, on which account it has been formed by Mr. Stephens into a distinct genus, to which he 
has been induced to give the above generic title, in consequence of this bird being in the opinion of M. Geof- 
froy St. Hilaire the Chenalopex or Vulpanser of the ancients. 
In figuring this fine species of Goose as a member of the European Fauna, we are not instigated by the 
occurrence of numerous half-reclaimed individuals which are yearly shot in our island, but from the circum- 
stance of its occasionally visiting the southern parts of the Continent from its native country Africa. M.Tem- 
minck particularly mentions the island of Sicily as one of the places frequented by it. This is the species 
which would appear to have been held in great veneration by the ancient Egyptians, as we frequently find a 
figure of it among the stupendous works of that celebrated people. It is abundant on the banks of the Nile, 
and is distributed over the whole of the vast continent of Africa. 
It readily breeds in confinement, and forms a beautiful and interesting addition to the menagerie. 
The sexes are alike in plumage, but the female is somewhat smaller in size, and has the whole of the 
markings less decided than in the male. 
Feathers immediately behind the base of the bill, a narrow line running from the upper angle of the gape 
to the eye, and a large patch surrounding the eye, rich chestnut; sides of the face, crown of the head, and 
the fore part of the neck buffy white, gradually passing on the back of the neck into rufous brown; this 
reddish tinge also predominates on the lower part of the neck, and forms a faint collar; upper part of the 
back light chestnut brown, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown ; centre 
of the back and upper part of the scapularies dark reddish brown, minutely rayed with irregular transverse 
lines of blackish brown and grey ; lower part of the scapularies and tertiaries rich reddish chestnut ; lesser 
wing-coverts pure white with the exception of the posterior row of feathers, which are crossed with a strongly 
defined mark of black near their extremities, forming a narrow band across the wing ; primaries, lower part 
of the back, rump, and tail black ; secondaries rich glossy green, with purple reflections ; on the centre of 
the breast a large irregular patch of deep rich chestnut ; all the remainder of the under surface from the 
collar to the thighs pale buff, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown; vent 
and under tail-coverts rich buff; upper mandible margined all round with brown, the centre being reddish 
flesh colour; legs and feet reddish flesh colour ; irides orange. 
We have figured an adult male about one third less than the natural size. 
