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.

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Main Species

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.

Adult (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."

Adult (Atlantic)

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Adult (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.

Adult (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.

Flock (Atlantic)

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Adult (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.

Juvenile (Atlantic)

The all black neck and pale scalloping on the wings and back help age this juvenile.

Adults (Black)

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Juvenile (Dark-bellied)

Juveniles often lack the white necklace typical of adults, and they have pale tips on the rounded upperparts feathers..

Adult (Atlantic)

Flocks forage in the intertidal zone along rocky coasts during migration and winter.

Adults (Black)

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Juvenile (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.

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