CANADA GOOSE. 
172. Brant a canadensis canadensis. 38 inches. 
This species is the most widely known of the family, and 
is the most numerous. Its familiar ‘‘honk” has long been 
the signal of the coming spring, and the Y-shaped formation 
in which the flocks migrate is always an object of interest 
to every one; large birds, with long necks outstretched, wings 
beating the air in unison, and all following the leadership of 
one bird in their journey over their invisible path. 
Nest. —Of grasses and feathers lined with down, placed on 
the ground in marshes or near lakes or ponds; four to nine 
eggs of a buff or drab color are laid (3.50 x 2.50). 
Range.- —The whole of North America, breeding from north¬ 
ern United States northward, and wintering in the southern 
part of U. S. to Lower California. 
CACKLING GOOSE. 
172c. Branta canadensis minima. 24 inches. 
This is a perfect miniature of the above, the difference 
being only in the size. It breeds in Alaska and along the 
Arctic coast and migrates in winter along the western coast 
south to southern California. Eggs are buff color; 4 to 9 
(2.90 x 1.95). 
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