Branta bernicla
L 25" (64 cm).

Song or calls:
Low-pitched, guttural croaking.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Sexes similar. Adults and immatures have dark head and neck with white collar; grayish-brown back; blackish breast and belly; white undertail coverts.

Habitat: Feeds in shallow water.

Nebraska Seasons: A rare casual spring and fall migrant statewide.

Where in Nebraska: There is a good chance of observing Brant Geese mixed within flocks of Canada Geese in the North Platte Valley and the Rainwater Basin and eastward. Also, look for Brant's in groups of Snow Geese in the Missouri River Valley.

Fun Facts: Brant geese on the Pacific coast have black bellies while the Atlantic coast geese have lighter paler bellies, these were once thought to be two distinct species.