The Brant Goose is a small goose with a short, stubby bill.
Brant typically weigh 3 lbs. or less and are much smaller
than their close cousins the Canada goose. The distinctive
white cheek patch found on the Canada goose is replaced on
the brant by small white bars forming a ring around the
neck. In flight, the brant has a very fast wing beat similar
to ducks.
Atlantic brant mate for life unless one mate is lost, and
begin breeding around 3 years of age. Brant migrate to the
arctic circle and beyond to breed. Major breeding colonies
are located west of Baffin Island. The largest island in the
Canadian territory.
Brant nest in low lying areas along the arctic coastline.
Once the eggs hatch, the male assumes the leading role in
herding the brood, with the female following close behind.
Young brant feed on marine invertebrates, mosquito larvae,
and various plants. As the brant age, their diet shifts to
one of almost all plant matter consisting of sea lettuce,
eelgrass, and widgeon grass.
For more info on the Atlantic Brant or other species found
in Utah, check out our Utah Field Guide on our outdoors page
at KSLTV.com
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