102 
Plate XI A), and the back has a very fine pepper-and-salt, or semi- vermi culated, effect, 
with minute specks of rufous and ochre. The Ruddy can be separated in all plumages 
from any other Duck by the distinctively dense plumage below, with its grebe-like sheen, 
the tail of stiff, spike-like feathers, and the broad, short bill with peculiar hook to the nail. 
Field Marks. The red back, black cap, or white face patch of the male can be recog- 
nized at long distance. The round, chunky body, the short thick neck, and the habit of 
carrying the tail spread star-like over the back are also characteristic. The general chunky 
outline is probably the best recognition mark for the female in life. 
Nesting. In reeds, over water. 
Distribution. Across the continent. Breeding in the prairies and southern British 
Columbia northward. 
The Ruddy Duck is a unique little bird and does not seem very closely 
related to the other Ducks. In the breeding season it is amusing to watch 
the male a3 he bustles importantly about his dull-coloured mate, cutting 
rippled circles on the water, bobbing and bowing, the erect, spread tail 
making him look still dumpier and shorter. 
“The Ruddy Duck is not hunted anywhere in the west. It is seldom 
found in the shallow sloughs and as it is not given to making flights, it can 
usually be shot only on the water.” 
Subfamily — Anserinae. Geese 
General Description. Geese resemble Ducks, but are larger with a less flattened body 
and comparatively longer legs; bill (Figures 140-143) is higher and generally somewhat 
narrower at base, stouter and less flattened at tip, hardly to be termed spatulate but with 
the broad nail at tip characteristic of the order. 
Field Marks. The strong flight of the Geese is familiar to most people. Size, color- 
ation, and flight habits are the best field guides. All the dark-coloured Geese in flying 
straight away from the observer show a conspicuous white V on the rump, the apex behind. 
Nesting. Generally on the ground. 
Distribution. Geese are of world-wide distribution. All American species but one 
breed well to the north, migrating through the interior as well as along the coasts. 
The Geese are more terrestrial and herbivorous than the Ducks, but 
they are equally at home on the water. They do not normally dive, but 
secure food from the bottom by tipping and, by means of their long necks, 
reach considerable depths. The sexes are alike and there is little seasonal 
change of plumage. Geese are excellent table-birds and for this reason 
and on account of their superior size they are much sought after by sports- 
men. Geese are exceedingly wary and although they take better care to 
avoid danger than many other large game birds, their former numbers 
have been greatly reduced. 
169. Snow Goose (Including Lesser Snow Goose), wavey. wavey goose. 
Chen hyperboreus. L, 23. Plate XII A. A medium-sized white Goose with black prim- 
aries. Juveniles have variable admixture and clouding of 
greyish brown on wings, back, head, and neck. Red rust 
stains from iron-impregnated water are very common on 
various parts of the plumage and in some birds the whole 
head is largely red with this adventitious colouring. 
Distinctions. Easily recognized as a Goose. To be 
mistaken only for Ross’s Goose, which is exactly similar in 
plumage, but only about half the bulk and only slightly 
iarger than a big Mallard. The bill of the Snow Goose is 
red like that of Ross’s but smoother, without rugosity about 
the base, and the cutting edges are widely bordered with 
black bands forming a “grinning patch” (Figure 140, com- 
pare with 141-143). 
Field Marks. Large white Geese with black wing tips. Can be told from Ross’s by 
size. The voice is said to be readily distinguishable also. It is very noisy in flight, whereas 
Ross’s usually flies silently. 
Figure 140 
Bill of Snow Goose; 
scale, }. 
