Brant

Description:

22-30" (56-76 cm). Similar to Canada Goose but smaller, shorter-necked, darker, and lacking conspicuous white cheek patch. Dark brown above with black head and neck; white collar on neck, less conspicuous in Atlantic birds which have whitish bellies and flanks; West Coast birds have dark bellies and were formerly considered a separate species, the "Black Brant." (Audubon Guide)

Habitat:

Breeds in coastal Alaska and Canadian Arctic. Winters along coasts south to California and Carolinas. Also in Eurasia.

Notes:

A flock of about 120 Brant has set up base in a cove behind my house. They are chatty but skittish. They like to eat seaweed.