Catesby, Mark. Vol.I, Tab. 92, The Canada Goose

Mark Catesby (1638 - 1749)Etching with hand color, paper dimensions: approximately 14 x 19 inchesFrom Volume I, Part 5 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama IslandsLondon: 1732 - 1771 Currently known as the Canada goose, Branta canadensis and rongbush, Wedeliabahamensis*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: ANSER CANADENSIS. The Canada Goose. This Bird is described by Mr. Willoughby p. 361. By comparing it with his Description, and finding them agree, I conceive it sufficient to recite his Account of it as follows: Its Length, from the point of the Bill to the end of the Tail, or of the Feet, is forty two inches. The Bill it self from the Angles of the Mouth is extended two inches, and is black of colour: the Nostrils are large. In shape of Body it is like to a tame Goose, save that it seems to be a little longer. The Rump is black; but the Feathers next above the Tail, white: the Back of a dark gray, like the common Goose's; the lower part of the