Brant are sea geese, equipped with extremely swift flight and irregular flock patterns. There are two subspecies, which are recognized mostly due to differences in plumage characteristics. These two separate populations include the (Pacific)
black brant and the (Atlantic)
brant. These small, dark geese have large wings, which give them their characteristic lightning flight. They have short necks, small heads and bills. Both subspecies have a black head, neck (with white ring), bill, breast, primaries, tail and legs.
Pacific black brant can be found wintering south to Baja, California, while the Atlantic subspecies winters from Virginia northward.
Brant typically nest in loose colonies in arctic North America and Russia, while breeding throughout the coastal tundra, in low and barren terrain.
