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The Black-backed Goose.
(Sarcidiornis melanonota.)
Ducks, geese and swans belong to one family, and, in spite of their obvious outward differences, are very closely related. The geese are distinguished from the ducks by their larger size, by the position of their legs which are placed about the middle of the body and thus enable the birds to stand and walk easily, and also by the fact that, while they swim and rest in open water, they come to land to feed on grass, for cropping which the broad flat beak is very well suited. The Black-backed Goose, which inhabits India, Africa and Madagascar, is a large handsome bird with a jet black beak. The huge black knob at the top of the beak of the male bird is a very striking feature.