Brant

Branta bernicla

The Brant is a small goose that is normally found in the high Arctic in summer, and along U.S. coastlines in winter.  They generally use the same migration routes yearly, and are only rare migrants in South Dakota.   Two color forms are found, the dark-bellied "Black Brant" of western North America, and the white-bellied form of eastern North America.

Habitat: Found on wet coastal tundra of the high Arctic during breeding season.  In winter, usually found along U.S. coastlines.

Diet: Primarily feeds on aquatic plants, grasses, and sedges.  Will also occasionally feed on aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Behavior: Forages by tipping up in shallow water, by wading, or by walking on land.  They usually forage in flocks.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Hoarse low honking.

Migration: Summers in the high Arctic tundra.  Winters along both the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts.  Generally only rarely migrates through this part of the country.

Similar Species: Canada Goose

Conservation Status: Generally stable throughout their range.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Brant

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Brant"

3) eNature.com: Brant

Photo Information: Photo courtesy of Richard Ettlinger.