The Bean Goose — Anser Segetum (J. F. Gmelin)
This species nests throughout Northern Europe and Asia. It is common on our coasts in winter, and is in fact the most abundant of our wild Geese. In Scotland, however, it is not so numerous as the preceding species.
This bird feeds inland on grain and vegetation.
The bill is black, with an orange band across the centre and a black nail; the amount of orange on the bill varies, however, in individuals, and several forms have been differentiated, though the matter requires further confirmation before being finally accepted. The amount of orange in the bill may also vary, in some cases, during the life of a single individual. Legs orange yellow. There is no bluish grey on the shoulder of the wing, as in the Grey Lag and Pink-footed. Length 34 in.; wing 19 in.