Adult Black Brant Branta nigricans with Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla,
Compared to the accompanying
Dark-bellied Brent Geese the blacker head and neck, the darker and browner
mantle and scapulars (note the ashy grey upperparts of the Dark-bellied Brent
Geese), the reduced contrast between the base of the black neck sock and the only
slightly paler browner fore-flanks, the strikingly whitish flank patch and the
prominent white neck-collar that joins across the front of the neck all point
to the purity of the adult Black Brant.
Adult Black Brant Branta nigricans with Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla,
Comparing the Black Brant’s
size and proportions relative to the larger and bulkier accompanying
Dark-bellied Brent Goose it is tempting to speculate that the Black Brant is a
female.
Adult Black Brant Branta nigricans with Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla,
The feathers of the head and
neck of Brent Geese are renewed in Spring so the Black
Brant’s complete neck-collar should be at its boldest as worn white feathers
are replaced by fresh white ones.
Adult Black Brant Branta nigricans with Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla,
Adult Black Brant Branta nigricans