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RED-BREASTED GOOSE.
SIBBEIAM OOOfB. KED-URE A.STKD BKKNICI.E.
Anser ruficollis, FLEMING. SELDY.
Anser ruficollis, PENNANT. MONTAGU.
Anser—A Goose. Ruficollis. Rufus—Red. Collis—A neck.
THIS handsome species belongs to the northern districts of Europe
and Asia, and breeds in Siberia and Russia, along the shores of the
Frozen Ocean. In Iceland, it lias been noticed, and also in Denmark
and Jutland, in flocks of four or Ave. In Sweden, accordiug to
Professor Nilsson, it occurred once in 1793, and once in 1830. In
France, only one example appears as yet to have been noticed: it was
obtained near Strasbourg. In Holland likewise only one; in Belgium
one; and in Germany one. In Asia, several were observed about Persia,
and in the neighbourhood of the Caucasian range.
I n this country the first recorded specimen was taken near London,
during the hard frosts of the year 1766, and was obtained by Marmaduke
Tunstall, Esq. The next was captured about the same time
near Wycliffe, the 'cunabula gentis1 of the (neat Reformer, whose
family derived its name from that place, in Yorkshire. Another was
shot near the town of Berwick-on-Tweed. In Norfolk, one at Halvergate,
in the year 1805. In the county of Cambridge, others during
the hard winter of 1813. In Devonshire, one was killed at Kenton
Warren, in 1828; and another by the River Teign, February the 1st.,
1837.
I n Scotland it has occurred in Caithness.
I n winter this Goose moves to warmer regions.
These birds appear to be considered very good eating. They soon
become tame in confinement.
They feed on green vegetables in preference to grain, but, on the