The brant, also known as the brent goose, is a small goose species recognized for its distinct appearance and coastal habits. It is commonly found along temperate coastlines during its non-breeding seasons. The brant stands apart from other geese due to its size and strong association with saltwater habitats.
Identifying the Brant
The brant is a compact goose, typically measuring between 22 to 26 inches (55-66 cm) in length with a wingspan of 42 to 48 inches (106-121 cm). Its distinguishing features include a black head, neck, and upper breast, contrasting with a dark gray-brown body. A small, narrow white patch or “necklace” is present on either side of its neck, varying in size among subspecies. Unlike the Canada Goose, the brant lacks a prominent white “chinstrap” and has a shorter neck and a small, stubby black bill.
Three main subspecies of brant are recognized, each with slight variations in belly coloration. The “Atlantic” brant (or Pale-bellied brant) generally has a lighter, mottled brown-and-white belly that contrasts with its dark chest. In contrast, the “Black” brant, primarily found on the Pacific Coast, has a much darker, sooty-brown belly. The “Dark-bellied” brant, found in Europe, has a darker gray belly, intermediate between the Atlantic and Black brants.
Habitat and Migration
Brants are strongly tied to coastal environments throughout their lives. They breed in the high-Arctic tundra, utilizing low-lying wet coastal areas for nesting and feeding during the summer months. Nests are typically bowl-shaped depressions on the ground, lined with grass and down, often situated near small ponds or on islands.
Following the breeding season, these birds undertake long-distance migrations to temperate coastal areas for the winter. Their wintering grounds include estuaries, bays, and sheltered lagoons along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, as well as coastal areas of western Europe. During migration, brants often fly in large, unorganized flocks, unlike the V-formations of some other geese.
Diet and Behavior
The brant’s diet is primarily vegetarian and reliant on marine vegetation. Their favored food sources include eelgrass and sea lettuce, which they graze upon in shallow coastal waters. They forage by wading or “tipping up” in shallow water, similar to dabbling ducks, or by walking on exposed tidal flats during low tide. While traditionally coastal feeders, some brants have adapted to feeding on agricultural land, such as grass and winter-sown cereals, particularly where preferred aquatic vegetation has been impacted.
Brants are highly gregarious birds, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. Family units often remain together within these larger congregations, especially during migration and on the wintering grounds. Their vocalizations are distinctive, characterized by a low, guttural “rronk” or “crrrronk” sound, heard both in flight and on the ground. This call is softer and less piercing than the honking of a Canada Goose.