a eR Me ee Sone 2 Pe

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.

Anser albifrons, Lznn.

LOie rieuse, ou a front blanc.

We have not been able to ascertain with any degree of certainty whether the jet black markings which
ornament the breast of this species are only assumed during summer, or whether they are confined to certain
examples. While describing this bird in his ‘‘ Manuel d’Ornithologie,” we find M. Temminck equally at a
loss with ourselves, for in a note appended to his description he states, that ‘‘ after inspecting the plumage of
this Goose, I suspect that the species moult twice in the year, and that in summer the belly and chest are of
a deep black, while these parts in winter are pure white. I say only that case appears to me such, for it
is by the naturalists in the North alone, who are able to observe this bird during the period of incubation,
that this circumstance can be decided.” The great numbers of this species brought to the London market
during the first fortnight of January 1835, afforded us ample opportunities of examining a great variety
of specimens; which examinations have led us to doubt if the irregular markings on the breast are ever
assumed by many of these birds until they have attained a considerable age, there having been numerous ma-
ture individuals among those examined which had not the slightest trace of this peculiar feature, while in
others it was slightly apparent; yet the majority of both sexes possessed the character in question, displayed
in the most conspicuous manner. Some few birds of the year were observed, many of which had already the
black feathers appearing ina slight degree ; from which circumstance it is clear that a still further knowledge
of the habits, changes, and economy of this fine Goose is required to render its history complete ; and it is to
be regretted that our island does not afford a retreat for so valuable a bird, in which it might breed and rear
its young. It is just possible that the individuals examined by us at that early period of the year might not
have commenced their spring moult; and if so, it is singular that others should have acquired so much of the
black, which, according to M. Temminck’s theory, is characteristic of the plumage of summer.

The summer residence of the White-fronted Goose is the high northern latitudes of both worlds: in
these countries it finds a place of security wherein to incubate. It commences its migrations southwards
early in the autumn, at which period great numbers pass into Holland, Germany, and France. In the British
Islands it is tolerably abundant, particularly in the midland and southern counties, giving a decided preference
to low marshes and fenny districts. Its food consists of aquatic vegetables of various kinds, small snails, &c.
Its weight generally varies from five to seven pounds, and as an article for the table it is not surpassed by
any of its tribe, its flesh being finely flavoured and tender.

Bill pale flesh-colour, nail pure white; forehead white; head, neck, and upper part of the chest greyish
brown ; breast, belly, and abdomen black marked with irregular bars and blotches of white; back brown, each
feather being margined with greyish white; wing-coverts grey edged with white; quills dark greyish black ;
yent and upper tail-coverts white; middle tail-feathers grey, with white tips, the remainder becoming
gradually lighter, to the outer ones, which are wholly white; legs and toes orange; claws whitish.

The Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the year about three fourths of the natural size.