Bill short and high at the base, subconical; the nostrils nearly halfway to the tip, a distinct nail-like dertrum at the end; wings ample ; tail short, rounded, of 16 or 18 feathers; legs of moderate length, strong, placed well forward and adapted for walking.
Geese both swim and walk well. They are generally found in flocks, which fly with much speed in long V-shaped lines, and they utter a peculiar cackling call that can be heard a long distance off. All the species are migratory. They make nests of grass, &c. on the ground, and line them with down; the eggs, 6 to 12 in number, are yellowish white.
Of the 8 or 9 species known, five have hitherto been obtained in India.
Key to the Species.
a. Tip (nail) of upper mandible white or whitish.
a1. No white on forehead ………………….. A. ferus, p. 410.
b1. A white frontal band.
a2. Frontal hand not extending back to between eyes; bill from gape 2………………….. A. albifrons, p. 417.
b2. Frontal band extending back to between eyes ; bill from gape 1.4………………….. A. erythropus, p. 418.
b. Tip of upper mandible black. [p. 418.
c1. Head and neck dark brown………………….. A. brachyrhynchus,
Head white, with black bars and nape………………….. A. indicus, p. 419.
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