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Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

Coastal wanderers with a distinctive dark plumage, these small geese embark on epic migrations across the Northern Hemisphere.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Brent Goose is characterised by its dark grey-brown body, black head, neck, and breast, with a distinctive white neck patch. Its compact body and short, thick neck give it a stocky appearance compared to other geese.

Males and females are largely alike in plumage, although the neck band is typically wider and more prominent in males and females are generally smaller.

Juveniles show duller plumage and less distinct neck patches. The birds' feathers may appear slightly paler during winter due to wear.

Size

Length

55cm to 66cm

Wingspan

105cm to 117cm

Weight

1000g to 2.5kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Brent Goose can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Brent Goose can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Brent Goose is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Brent Geese breed in the high Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. During winter, they migrate to coastal areas in temperate regions, including the British Isles, western Europe, and both coasts of North America.

They show a strong preference for shallow marine habitats, particularly intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. They are common winter visitors to the eastern and southern coasts in the UK.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Arctic, Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Brent Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Brent Goose demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in flight. Their swift and direct flying style, coupled with rapid wingbeats, allows for impressive manoeuvrability. Their unique 'rolling' feeding behaviour also suggests a high degree of agility on the ground.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not the largest of geese, Brent Geese possess considerable strength. Their ability to undertake long-distance migrations, sometimes flying at speeds up to 60 km/h, indicates robust muscular strength. However, they are not as powerful as some larger waterfowl species.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Brent Geese show exceptional adaptability. They thrive in diverse habitats, from Arctic tundra to temperate coastal areas, adjusting their diet and behaviour accordingly. Their ability to utilise both natural coastal habitats and agricultural fields for feeding further demonstrates their adaptability.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Brent Geese are not particularly aggressive birds. They are highly social and often seen in large flocks, suggesting a generally peaceful nature. However, like most waterfowl, they may display some aggression during breeding season or when defending their young.

Endurance 95

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of Brent Geese is truly impressive. Their long-distance migrations between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate wintering areas require exceptional stamina. Additionally, their ability to withstand harsh Arctic conditions during breeding and coastal winters further underscores their remarkable endurance.

Diet

Brent Geese primarily feed on eelgrass and other marine plants in coastal areas. During winter, they also graze on coastal grasslands and agricultural fields, consuming grasses, herbs, and occasionally crops like winter wheat.

Behaviour

Brent Geese are highly social and are often seen in large flocks during winter. They exhibit a unique 'rolling' feeding behaviour, where birds at the back of the flock continually fly to the front to access fresh grazing areas. Their flight is swift and direct, with rapid wing beats.

Vocalisation

The Brent Goose's call is a distinctive, guttural 'rronk' or 'cronk', often described as a throaty, rolling sound. In flight or when alarmed, they produce a rapid series of these calls, creating a characteristic chorus that's easily recognisable.

Nesting & Breeding

Brent Geese form monogamous pairs that often last for life. Breeding occurs in the brief Arctic summer, typically from June to August.

Nests are built on the ground, often on small islands or elevated areas in the tundra. The female lines a shallow scrape with down and vegetation. A typical clutch consists of 3-5 creamy white eggs.

Incubation lasts about 24-26 days, and it is carried out solely by the female while the male stands guard. Goslings are precocial and can feed themselves shortly after hatching, and they fledge in about 40-50 days.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Brent Geese face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering and staging areas, as well as their Arctic breeding grounds.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

490,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Brent Geese in coastal areas, especially mudflats and estuaries.
  • Listen for their distinctive 'rronk rronk' call, often heard before the birds are seen.
  • Observe them during winter months in the UK, Ireland, and parts of coastal North America.
  • Watch for their characteristic rolling feeding behaviour in large flocks.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Brant Goose

Family:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

11 years

Max Lifespan

28.8 years [3]

Predators

Main predators include Arctic foxes, polar bears, and large gulls, which prey on eggs and young. Adult geese are occasionally taken by birds of prey.

Did You Know?

  1. Brent Geese can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h during migration.
  2. They have one of the longest family bonds among waterfowl, with offspring staying with parents for up to a year.
  3. The name 'Brent' is derived from the Norse word 'brandgรกs', meaning 'burnt goose', referring to their dark colouration.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Branta bernicla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22679946A189780266.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2020: Partners in Flight

  3. 3

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source

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