108 



BRANT 



173a. Bra nl a Icrnicla ylaucofiaslra. 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 (2.80x1.75): June. 



Range. Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the 

 Atlantic coast and less often in the Mississippi Valley, 

 from Mass, and 111. southward. 



