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| Domain |
Eukarya |
| Kingdom |
Animalia |
| Phylum |
Chordata |
| Sub-Phylum |
Vertebrata |
| Class |
Aves |
| Order |
Anserifomes |
| Family |
Anatidae |
| Genus |
Branta |
| Species |
bernicla |
| Common Name: |
Black Brant Goose,also called Brent goose. |
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| This is a very unusual visitor at Race Rocks. In fact this one was the first one ever spotted there and photographed by Garry Fletcher, in the summer of 2005. |
It was feeding on the seaweeds in the mid intertidal area beside the docks... |
..and as we watched, it entered the water and swam out through the kelp, and eventually flew off. |
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The dimensions of the Brant are 17" long and 46"Wingspan, A Canada goose is given as 16"-25"L and 50-68"W (which is quite a variation)
A Glaucous gull is given as 24"L and 50"W
Thayer's are 20"L and 55" W. So according to that the gulls are all bigger than the Brant - so perhaps the camera was not lying "--(PB) |
| The next sighting of this species was in February, 2006. |
These two images were taken from the remote cam 5-telephoto (PB) |
The goose continued to hang out with the Canadas for several months. |
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Physical description
The black brant is a small goose with black head, neck, breast, tail and flight feathers. Its abdomen and tail coverts are white and the back and upper abdomen tend to be brownish-black. Its weight ranges from about 1.5 - 2.7 kilograms.
Global distribution
The black brants nest along the shores of the western Arctic, where they lay eggs in June. In mid-September the young travel to the California and Mexican coasts. The main flock flies over the sea, being seldom observed in British Columbia. There is another migration that may winter as far north as the Quenn Charlotte Islands. However, the majority winters off the coast lines of Oregon, California and Mexico. The favourite stops for Black Brant Geese are Sooke Harbour, Oak Bay and Sidney Island.
Habitat
The black brants travel in flocks. The amount of geese in a flock varies, though usually remains at low levels. The brants are considered one of the fastest flying geese.
Feeding
They feed mainly on eel grass, which is a significant part of their diet. Other marine plants are also being eaten by them, such as green algae.
Reproduction
Black brant's nests are always placed along shores, never far from the water. In June they lay 4 to 8 eggs and by mid-September the young are ready for a long journey.
Immature black brants lack white neck marking and are more black at the bottom.
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References:
1. Guiguet, C.J. (1915). The Birds of British Columbia: (6) Waterfowl. Victoria: British Columbia Provincial Museum.
2. Robbins, Chandler S., Bruun, Bertel, & Zim, Herbert S. (1966). A guide to field indentification: Birds od North America. New York: Golden Press.
3. Godfrey, E. (1986). The birds of Canada (2nd ed.). Ottawa: National Museum of Natural Sciences.
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Date:
2005 |
Name :Kamil Mika
year 32
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