105 
Nesting. On the ground of the tundra. 
Distribution. The northern hemisphere, in the New World, central and western 
North America; breeding on the Arctic coast and islands and migrating through the 
prairies and along the west coast. Rarer in the interior of British Columbia. 
SUBSPECIES. The American White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons gambeli has 
been supposed to be the New World form of the representative species. Lately, however, 
it has been demonstrated that both the large American White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 
gambeli and the smaller, typical, European form Anser albifrons albifrons occur in America, 
but that the former is much the scarcer. Limited numbers of them have been found 
wintering in California under the local name “Tule Geese”, but most other specimens from 
this continent, and all Canadian specimens that have been so far examined, prove to be of 
the smaller race that has been heretofore considered as confined to the Old World. The 
larger birds undoubtedly pass through on migration, but so far Canadian specimens 
have not been brought to scientific notice. 
Bill of White-fronted Goose; natural size. 
In certain sections of the prairie provinces this Goose is popularly 
called “Brant.” This is an unjustifiable misuse of a name otherwise 
applied, and has been the source of much confusion. ( See under Brant, 
page 109.) 
172. Canada Goose (Including Hutchins’s, Cackling, and White-cheeked Geese). 
honker, grey goose. CALLING goose. Branla canadensis. L, 23-39. Plate XII B. A 
grey-brown Goose, usually lighter below, somewhat wave-marked with lighter feather 
edges. Head and neck black with white cheek patches. In size it is variable and may be 
as small as a large Mallard weighing less than 4 pounds, whereas the record for size is 18 
. pounds. Underparts may be nearly white or as dark as the back. The cheek spots may or 
may not be joined together under the chin and there may be a narrow white collar at the 
base of the black neck or “stocking”. There is very little difference in plumage with sex 
or age. 
Distinctions. This highly variable species may always be recognized by its black head 
and neck, the so-called stocking, which stopB abruptly at the shoulders, and by the con- 
spicuous white cheek patches. It can be confused with no other species at present recog- 
nized. 
Field Marks. The black stocking, white cheek patches, and the sonorous and well- 
known honk are the best of field marks. 
Nesting. On the ground in the grass, on hummocks and elevations like old hay-cocks, 
or occasionally in deserted Hawk’s nests in the tops of tall trees. 
Distribution. Across the continent, migrating commonly everywhere in the interior 
and on the coast. Breeding in the west from south of our boundary, indefinitely north- 
ward. 
SUBSPECIES. Although few birds are as well known to the sportsman and general 
public, none is so little understood systematically by either scientist or layman. It is a 
variable species and is divided into four recognized geographical races, but in spite of all 
the birds that have been killed and casually examined by shooters, we have not enough 
