BRANT
173a. Branta bernicla glaucogastra. 26 in.
Head, back and breast black, sharply defined against the grayish-white of the underparts; a whitish patch on either side of the neck. They are very abundant on the Atlantic coast in winter, and when not too persistently hunted are unsuspicious; they do not fly in regular formation like the [Canada geese], nor do they appear to have any special leader. They are inquisitive and easily decoyed, and consequently large numbers of them are shot annually. They are noisy, their notes being a peculiar, guttural “car-r-r-rup” or “r-r-rup,” and when in the presence of a large flock, the sound is deafening. (Elliott).
They feed upon tender water plants and roots, which they get from the bottom by tipping up, and not by diving.
Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with grass and feathers; eggs grayish-buff (2.80 × 1.75); June.
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the Atlantic coast and less often in the Mississippi Valley, from Mass. and Ill. southward.
