Genus CHENALOPEX, Antiq.
G en . C h a r . Beak as long as the head, slender, straight, its tip rounded, the mafrgin laminated
; the upper mandible curved, its tip hooked; the lower mandible flat. Nostrils
placed at the basal portion o f the beak. Wings armed with spurs. Legs placed in the
equilibrium o f the body, four-toed; the anterior toes entirely webbed, the hinder one
sim p le; tarsi somewhat elongated.
E G Y P T I A N GOOSE.
Chenalopex Egyptiaca, Steph.
L’Oie d’Egypte.
On comparing the present species with the other members of its family, it will be found to differ in form from
every one of them, on which account it has been formed by Mr. Stephens into a distinct genus, to which he
has been induced to give the above generic title, in consequence of this bird being in the opinion of M. Geof-
froy St. Hilaire the Chenalopex or Vulpanser of the ancients.
In figuring this fine species of Goose as a member of the European Fauna, we are not instigated by the
occurrence of numerous half-reclaimed individuals which are yearly shot in our island, but from the circumstance
of its occasionally visiting the southern parts of the Continent from its native country Africa. M. Tem-
minck particularly mentions the island of Sicily as one of the places frequented by it. This is the species
which would appear to have been held in great veneration by the ancient Egyptians, as we frequently find a
figure of it among the stupendous works of that celebrated people. It is abundant on the banks of the Nile,
and is distributed over the whole o f the vast continent of Africa.
It readily breeds in confinement, and forms a beautiful and interesting addition to the menagerie.
The sexes are alike in plumage, but the female is somewhat smaller in size, and has the whole of the
markings less decided than in the male.
Feathers immediately behind the base of the bill, a narrow line running from the upper angle of the gape
to the eye, and a large patch surrounding the eye, rich chestnut; sides of the face, crown of the head, and
the fore part of the neck buffy white, gradually passing on the back of the neck into rufous brown ; this
reddish tinge also predominates on the lower part of the neck, and forms a faint collar; upper part of the
back light chestnut brown, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown ; centre
of the back and upper part of the scapularies dark reddish brown, minutely rayed with irregular transverse
lines of blackish brown and grey; lower part of the scapularies and tertiaries rich reddish chestnut; lesser
wing-coverts pure white with the exception of the posterior row of feathers, which are crossed with a strongly
defined mark of black near their extremities, forming a narrow band across the wing ; primaries, lower part
of the back, rump, and tail black ; secondaries rich glossy green, with purple reflections ; on the centre of
the breast a large irregular patch of deep rich chestnut; all the remainder of the under surface from the
collar to the thighs pale buff, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown; vent
and under tail-coverts rich buff; upper mandible margined all round with brown, the centre being reddish
flesh colour; legs and feet reddish flesh colour; irides orange.
We have figured an adult male about one third less than the natural size.