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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
