Bird Guide

Brant Goose vs Canada Goose

Brant Goose (Branta bernicla)

Brant Goose

Branta bernicla

Large1.3 kgGrassland

The brant is a small goose with a short, stubby bill. It measures 55–66 cm (22–26 in) long, 106–121 cm (42–48 in) across the wings and weighs 0.88–2.2 kg (1.9–4.9 lb). The under-tail is pure white, and the tail black and very short (the shortest of any goose). The body of the dark-bellied nominate subspecies B. b. bernicla is fairly uniformly dark grey-brown all over, the flanks and belly not significantly paler than the back. The head and neck are black, with a small white patch on either side of the neck.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Huge2.8 kgGrassland

The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada goose from all other goose species except the cackling goose and barnacle goose. (The latter, however, has a black breast and gray rather than brownish body plumage.) Some Canada geese come with a pepper-spotted or brown neck with brown plumage, and these are assumed to be a leucistic variety. On occasion, individuals with dark cheeks, white foreheads or white necks may be seen The seven subspecies of this bird vary widely in size and plumage details but all are recognizable as Canada geese.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Christian Kahle · CC0
Photo: Paul Round · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Brant Goose and Canada Goose.