Brant (Branta bernicla)
A small goose found along the coast of Canada in winter migrating North in Summer. The goose has a characteristic white ring around the neck. Feeds mostly on eelgrass.
- 🇫🇷 Bernache cravant
- 🇩🇪 Ringelgans
- 🇲🇽 Barnacla carinegra
Characteristics
- Length: 60-70cm
- Weight: 2-3kg
- Wingspan: 130-140cm
How to Identify
I know of three different geese in eastern Canada. Brant is most similar to the Canada Goose. I identify Brant by the characteristic white ring around the black neck. The head of the Brant is completely black while the head of the Canada Goose is black with white cheeks.
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Click on photo to enlarge.
Where and When to Spot
I saw flocks of Brants along the coast at Tadoussac in mid spring. I assume that later of the year they migrate North as in Summer, I haven't seen Brants in Tadoussac anymore.
References
- The Goose Boat of Merigomish - with short clip of Brant Goose in chapter 2 recorded by myself back in 2018.