The Brant is a small, dark sea-goose that winters almost exclusively in coastal estuaries and bays where eelgrass grows. It migrates in low, winding flocks along coastlines rather than the classic V-formation of Canada Geese. When eelgrass beds were devastated by wasting disease in the 1930s, Atlantic Brant populations collapsed by over 85%.
Best time to see a Brant
The best time to see a Brant is January–April, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,233 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brant? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brant sightings near you
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Spotted a Brant?
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