THE BRANT. 291 



below the eye; belly pale ash edged with white; from the thighs 

 backwards white; back and wing coverts dusky brownish black, 

 the plumage lightest at the tips; rump and middle of the tail co- 

 verts black, the rest of the tail coverts pure white, reaching 

 nearly to the tip of the tail, the whole of which is black, but 

 usually concealed by the white coverts; primaries and seconda- 

 ries deep black; legs also black; irides dark hazel. 



The only material difference observable between the plumage 

 of the male and female, is, that in the latter the white spot on 

 the neck is less, and more mottled with dusky. In young birds 

 it is sometimes wanting, or occurs on the front, cheeks, and 

 chin ; and sometimes the upper part of the neck, only, is black,* 

 but in full plumaged birds, of both sexes, the markings are very 

 much alike. 



The Brant is often seen in our markets for sale. Its flesh, 

 though esteemed by many, tastes somewhat sedgy, or fishy. 



* The figure of this bird given by Bewick, is in that state. 



