Brent Goose

The Brent Goose Branta bernicla is a goose of the genus Branta, known in the United States and Canada as the Brant.

All the species of the genus are distinguished by their general dark sooty colour, relieved in some by way by white of greater or less purity, and by way of distinction from the members of the genus Anser, which are known as grey geese.

The brent is a truly marine bird, seldom (in Europe at least) quitting salt-water, and coming southwards in vast flocks towards autumn, frequenting bays and estuaries on the British coasts, where it lives chiefly on seagrass (Zostera marina).

There are three races, which are considered by some to be good species.

The Black Brant, B. b. nigricans breeds in northern Canada, Alaska and eastern Siberia. It is a more contastingly black and white bird than the other races, and has a complete white neck collar.

B. b. hrota of Svalbard and Greenland, the Pale-bellied Brent has pale underparts contrasting with the dark grey back and black head and neck. It winters in Ireland and Scotland.

The Russian B. b. bernicla, the Dark-bellied Brent winters in western Europe including England.

For the origin of the scientific name bernicla see Barnacle Goose.