Brant
A species of Black geese, Also known as Brent Goose Scientific name : Branta bernicla Genus : Black geese
Brant, A species of Black geese
Also known as:
Brent Goose
Botanical name: Branta bernicla
Genus: Black geese
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By silversea_starsong , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The brante is a sea goose known for its black and white plumage and its annual migration. With its sleek body adapted to life at sea, it can glide through the water and has a waterproof plumage to keep it warm and dry. Brants form large flocks and make vocalizations during the breeding season. Their migration journey, which can take several weeks, is a remarkable feat as they navigate harsh weather and ocean currents to reach their winter homes. 
Size
56 - 66 cm
Colors
Black
White
Life Expectancy
13 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
3 - 5 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
23 - 24 days
Nestling Period
1 day
Feeding Habits
Brant's diet consists primarily of vegetarian fare, including hairgrass, alkaligrass, and mosses in breeding regions. They graze on eelgrass and algae during migration and winter, using tidal zones or shallow water feeding techniques. Losses of eelgrass have led brant to consume grasses in human-modified areas, and they also eat saltmarsh cordgrass in spring. Western brant favor wigeongrass and pickleweed. They use grit to aid digestion.
Habitat
Brant typically inhabit coastal regions, thriving in environments such as tidal estuaries and wet coastal tundra. Preferred habitats include areas with ample eelgrass, sea lettuce, sedges, and algae, especially during winter. During breeding, these birds select low-lying wet tundra, favoring sites with grassy bowl-shaped nests near ponds. Brant have also adapted to feeding on agricultural land, including grass and winter cereals. In non-breeding seasons, brant frequent coastal waters, lagoons, estuaries, and sheltered bays, crucially dependent on eelgrass beds. Roosting occurs on mudflats, barrier islands, and sand spits adjacent to feeding zones.
Nest Behavior
Brant commences nest building coinciding with egg-laying. Grass and down are added to reinforce the nest. The species exhibits a straightforward egg-laying pattern and both parents engage in the care of the eggs and hatchlings.
Nest Characteristics
Brant's nests are often ground-based, close to water, and near grassy regions. The female forms a shallow depression using her body, later lining it with grass, willow leaves, and down feathers. The nest typically spans 18 inches with an egg cup about 12 inches across and 2 inches deep.
Dite type
Herbivorous
People often ask
General Info
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Netherlands
Behavior
Brant exhibit strong social bonds, typically forming lifelong monogamous pairings. They display territorial aggression, particularly during the breeding season. Daily activities involve foraging with family units often sticking together within larger flocks. Brant migrate and molt in these family groups, maintaining a clear hierarchical structure where families with offspring are dominant. Their aggressive displays are similar to those of related geese, involving postures with lowered heads and open bills. Conflicts between individuals can lead to chases.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
