108 
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 per- 
sistently 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 (2.80x 1.75); Jufhe. 
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the 
Atlantic coast and less often in the Mississippi Valley, 
from Mass. and II]. southward. 
