Bird Description

Pale-bellied' hrota ssp breeds in high Arctic, usually near coast and often colonially. Locally common in winter (until late May because the tundra is still frozen where they breed), mostly swimming in sheltered coastal bays, on barrier islands, or grazing in grassy areas. Typically in flocks of varying sizes. 'Black' Brant, nigricans, a rare visitor (3000:1), occurs in 'Pale-bellied' flocks, sometimes returning annually. There are a few records of 'Gray-bellied' Brant that breed in Puget Sound, these show features intermediate between 'Pale-bellied' and 'Black' Brant. ID: Fairly small and compact with short, thick neck and pointed head. Appears dark with contrastingly black neck and white vent. Variable white necklace. 'Black' Brant darker-backed and -bellied with contrasting white flanks. Necklace typically large and meets behind neck. Averages slightly larger, often with more erect posture and longer bill - a more 'muscular' appearance. Sexes similar. Juv/Ist-w birds have broader and whiter fringes to coverts through winter and have reduced or no white necklace.