Brent Goose
Branta bernicla
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Predators
Did You Know?
- Brent Geese can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h during migration.
- They have one of the longest family bonds among waterfowl, with offspring staying with parents for up to a year.
- The name 'Brent' is derived from the Norse word 'brandgás', meaning 'burnt goose', referring to their dark colouration.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Branta bernicla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22679946A189780266.
View source - 2
report, 2020: Partners in Flight
- 3
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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