Brant Goose
Branta bernicla
Description
- The Brant Goose is similar to the Canada Goose but
is smaller with a shorter neck and is darker, lacking
the white cheek patches. The colour is dark brown above
with a black head and neck; the neck has a white collar.
The west coast birds have a darker belly than those of
the east and were once considered a separate species.
A low, guttural "ruk-ruk" distinguishes the call.
Distribution - This species breeds in coastal Alaska
and the Canadian Arctic and winters along the Pacific
coasts south to California and the Carolinas. While breeding,
they prefer tundra and coastal islands; winters are spent
in salt marshes and estuaries.
Biology
- The Brant Goose feeds mainly on eelgrass and other marine
plants so they rarely stray from salt water. They spend
the winters in large flocks, feeding on mudflats. Migration
takes place in irregular bunches rather than in lines
like other geese. 3-5 eggs lay in nests made of moss and
down. Although a great number are shot by hunters, the
biggest danger is the steady loss of winter habitats to
encroaching civilizations.
