Brant Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBrant
Adult (Atlantic)
A compact goose with a black neck, brownish back, and pale underparts. Adult “Atlantic” Brant has an incomplete white necklace and a pale belly that contrasts strongly with the black chest and neck.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryRhode Island, April 07, 2017Adult (Black)
A dark, compact goose with a short bill. Adult “Black” Brant shows a broad white necklace and extensive dark markings on the belly (creating an area of low contrast between the chest and the belly).
© Beko Binder / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 03, 2017Adult (Atlantic)
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, January 25, 2009Not all videos have sound
Adult (Dark-bellied)
A compact goose with strongly contrasting white vent. The “Dark-bellied” Brant of Europe has a darker gray belly and bold white collar that appears intermediate between “Atlantic” Brant and “Black” Brant of North America.
© Steve Kelling / Macaulay LibraryEngland, March 20, 2013Adult (Gray-bellied)
"Gray-bellied” Brant is intermediate between “Black” Brant and “Atlantic” Brant. This population typically winters in coastal Washington state and appears like a blended version of the two named North American subspecies. This individual shows a reduced white necklace and paler underparts than “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)
Juvenile has an all-black neck and pale scalloping on the wings and back.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryNew York, November 18, 2019Adults (Black)
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 01, 1997Not all videos have sound
Juvenile (Dark-bellied)
Juvenile often lacks the white necklace typical of adult and has pale tips on the rounded upperpart 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, 1997Not all videos have sound
Juvenile (Atlantic) (with Canada Goose)
Smaller and more compact than Canada Goose (right). Occasionally joins flocks of other geese when foraging on grass. Juvenile has a reduced white collar and crisp, pale edging to the upperpart feathers.
© Robert Jilek / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 12, 2016Similar SpeciesCanada Goose
Adult
Canada Goose has an obvious white cheek or chinstrap that Brant lack.
© Max McCarthy / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 24, 2017Similar SpeciesCackling 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 SpeciesCackling 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 SpeciesCackling 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, 2010Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family: Anatidae)
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