Fauna Flora Photography

Brant Branta bernicla

A small goose found along the coast of Canada in winter migrating North in Summer. The goose has a characteristic white ring around the neck. Feeds mostly on eelgrass.

Specs

Length60-70cm
Weight2-3kg
Wingspan130-140cm

Common Names

GermanRingelgans
EnglishBrant
FrenchBernache cravant
SpanishBarnacla carinegra

Taxonomy

OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae
SpeciesBranta bernicla

How to Identify

I know of three different geese in eastern Canada. Brant is most similar to the Canada Goose. I identify Brant by the characteristic white ring around the black neck. The head of the Brant is completely black while the head of the Canada Goose is black with white cheeks.

Brant (Branta bernicla) - Tadoussac - 2018-05-25

Where and When to Spot

I saw flocks of Brants along the coast at Tadoussac in mid spring. I assume that later of the year they migrate North as in Summer, I haven't seen Brants in Tadoussac anymore.

Last updated on 2024-03-14. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.