Brant Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Canada Goose
Adult
Canada Goose has an obvious white cheek or chinstrap that Brant lack.
© Max McCarthy | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 24, 2017Similar Species
Cackling Goose
Adult (Taverner's)
All forms of Cackling Goose have a white cheek or chinstrap that Brant lack.
© Jack Bushong | Macaulay LibraryColorado, March 13, 2017Similar Species
Cackling Goose
Adult (minima)
All forms of Cackling Goose have a white cheek or chinstrap that Brant lack.
© Rob O'Donnell | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 23, 2017Similar Species
Cackling Goose
Adult (Aleutian)
All forms of Cackling Goose have a white cheek or chinstrap that Brant lack; Cackling also lacks the blackish chest patch and dark brown body of Brant.
© Matt Brady | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 04, 2010Main Species
Brant
Adult (Atlantic)
A compact goose with a black neck sock, brownish back, and pale underparts. On adults of the Atlantic subspecies hrota, look for an incomplete white necklace and a pale belly contrasting strongly with the black chest and neck.
© Evan Lipton | Macaulay LibraryRhode Island, April 07, 2017Adult (Black)
A dark, compact goose with a short bill. Adults of the Pacific subspecies nigricans show a broad white necklace and extensive dark markings on the belly (creating an area of low contrast between the chest and the belly). This subspecies is commonly known as "Black Brant."
© Beko Binder | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 03, 2017Adult (Atlantic)
© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, January 25, 2009Adult (Dark-bellied)
A compact goose with strongly contrasting white vent. The Dark-bellied subspecies bernicla of Europe has a darker gray belly and bold white collar that appears intermediate between the North American subspecies bernicla and hrota.
© Steve Kelling | Macaulay LibraryEngland, March 20, 2013Adult (Gray-bellied)
A North American population of Brant intermediate between Pacific Brant and Atlantic Brant is known as "Gray-bellied Brant". They typically winter in coastal Washington state, USA, and appear like a blended version of the two named North American subspecies. This individual shows a reduced white necklace and paler underparts than Pacific (or Black) Brant.
© Matt Sadowski | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 14, 2007Adult (Atlantic)
These geese often fly in densely packed flocks instead of well-organized lines or V-formations. In flight, note the large white "V" on the rump that contrasts with the dark upperparts.
© andrew aldrich | Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 19, 2015Juvenile (Atlantic)
The all black neck and pale scalloping on the wings and back help age this juvenile.
© Chris Wood | Macaulay LibraryNew York, November 18, 2019Adults (Black)
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 01, 1997Juvenile (Dark-bellied)
Juveniles often lack the white necklace typical of adults, and they have pale tips on the rounded upperparts feathers..
© Stephen Harris | Macaulay LibraryEngland, November 13, 2016Adult (Atlantic)
Flocks forage in the intertidal zone along rocky coasts during migration and winter.
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, March 01, 2011Adults (Black)
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryNorthwest Territories, June 01, 1997Juvenile (Atlantic) (with Canada Goose)
Smaller and more compact than Canada Goose (right). Occasionally joins flocks of other geese when foraging on grass. Juveniles have a reduced white collar and crisp, pale edging to the upperparts feathers.
© Robert Jilek | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 12, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family: Anatidae)
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