Only one or two examples of this rare Goose have been obtained in this country. It breeds in Eastern Siberia, whence it migrates southwards past the Ural and Caspian Seas.
The general colour above is black; the ear patches, throat, and breast chestnut; lores and belly white; chin black. Length 21 in.; wing 14·5 in.
THE BERNACLE GOOSE
Bernicla leucopsis (Bechstein)
Nesting abundantly in Greenland and in some numbers on Spitzbergen, the Bernacle Goose is by no means uncommon in winter along the west coast of the United Kingdom as far south as Lancaster, as well as on the north coast of Ireland. Elsewhere in these islands it is decidedly rare. It feeds on grass pastures near the sea, almost invariably by night.
This species is commonly kept in captivity, where it breeds freely.
The crown of the head, neck, and upper breast are black; mantle grey, barred with black and white; forehead, cheeks, and chin white. Under parts greyish. Tail coverts pure white. Length 27 in.; wing 16 in.
THE BRENT GOOSE
Bernicla brenta (Pallas)
This species is one of the most abundant of our Geese, and is found in enormous flocks round our coasts throughout the whole winter. It breeds along the west coast of Greenland and also on the islands and northern coasts of Russia and Siberia. It feeds chiefly by day, and is fond of wading about in mud-flats or in shallow water feeding on aquatic vegetation.
The whole plumage is chiefly black, except the tail coverts, which are white, and a white patch on each side of the neck. Length 22 in.; wing 13 in.