Brant Identification

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.

Adult (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).

Adult (Atlantic)

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.

Adult (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.

Flock (Atlantic)

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)

Juvenile has an all-black neck and pale scalloping on the wings and back.

Adults (Black)

Juvenile (Dark-bellied)

Juvenile often lacks the white necklace typical of adult and has pale tips on the rounded upperpart feathers.

Adult (Atlantic)

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

Adults (Black)

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.