478 
LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 
lar to the adult, but the head and neck plumbeous, the former speckled with white, especially on 
top ; the transverse barring of the feathers less distinct than in the adult. Bill and feet dusky. 
Wing, 14.30-15.70 inches ; culmen, 1.40-1.65 ; tarsus, 2.60-2.85 ; middle toe, 2.40-2.50. 
In a very large series of fine adult specimens before us there is little appreciable variation in 
colors, except in regard to the orange-rufous stain on the head, which is entirely wanting in some, 
but in others very deep, and covering nearly the whole head. 
This species was introduced as a probable bird of North America by Professor 
Baird, in the ninth volume of the “ Pacific Railroad Reports.” It had been said to 
be common among the Aleutian Islands ; 
but according to the observations of Mr. 
Dali, it was not seen in any of the regions 
visited by him. He was at some pains to 
make inquiries in regard to it, and the ex- 
istence of such a bird appeared to be un- 
known to the natives of the islands visited 
by him. It has been found, however, by 
Mr. Bannister on the Island of St. Mi- 
chael’s and on the Lower Yukon, and about 
its mouth by Mr. Pease and others. Mr. 
Dali speaks of it as a magnificent bird, and 
states that it abounds in profusion in the 
Kusilvak Slough, or mouth of the Yukon 
River, to the exclusion of all other species. 
His endeavors to reach that point being 
unavailing, he was obliged to obtain speci- 
mens elsewhere. It was quite scarce about 
the Kwichpak Slough and on the sea-coast. 
By means of a large reward, Mr. Dali ob- 
tained four fine specimens from the marshes around Kutlik. This is the largest 
of the Geese of that region ; and the delicate colors of the body, with the head and 
nape snow-white, tipped with rich amber-yellow, have a very beautiful effect. Its 
eye is dark brown, and the feet are flesh-color. The eggs are said to be larger and 
longer than those of Anser Gambeli, and rather brown fulvous, the color being in 
minute dots. This bird rests on the ground in the manner of the other Geese. The 
Eskimo name of this Goose is Machowthihik. The raw flesh and skin, Mr. Dali states, 
have an intolerable odor of garlic, which renders skinning it a very disagreeable task ; 
but on cooking this passes away, and he found the flesh tender and good eating. 
This species arrives at Alaska about the first of June, or earlier, according to the 
season. As soon as the eggs are hatched the old birds begin to moult. Mr. Dali saw 
half-moulted individuals at Pastolik, July 29, 1867. This Goose remains longer than 
any other, lingering until the whole sea-coast is fringed with ice, feeding on Mytilus 
edilis and other shellfish. It has been observed as late as November 1 by the Rus- 
sians. It usually goes in pairs, or four or five together, rather than in large flocks. 
Its note is shriller and clearer than that of A. Gambeli or of B. Hutcjiinsi, and it is 
shyer than any of the Geese, except the Black Brant. 
Mr. Bannister states that two of this species were shot at St. Michael’s during the 
period of his stay there, both of them young, and not in the best of plumage. This 
bird cannot be regarded as common at that particular point ; but Mr. Pease reported 
having seen it in June in large numbers on the Lower Yukon while descending that 
