OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 329 



Genus BRANTA, or Brent Geese. 



Type, BEANTA BEENICLA. 



Branta, of Scopoli (1769). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by their short subconical bills, much shorter than the head. The 

 inner edge of the mandibles is nearly straight, and the lamellae are concealed. 

 The strongly contrasted colours of the plumage are also very characteristic. The 

 wings are long and ample and more pointed than in Anser ; the tail is short and 

 rounded. The bill is higher than broad at the base, the unguis ovate ; nostrils 

 oval and nearly central. Three toes in front vs^ebbed, the webs not deeply 

 excised ; hind toe small, elevated. 



This genus is composed of about eight species and subspecies confined to the 

 northern portions of the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, slightly more widely 

 dispersed during winter. Four species and subspecies are visitors to the British 

 Islands, but none breed within our area. 



The Brent Geese are maritime in their haunts during winter, but in summer 

 little is known concerning them. They are birds of sustained and rapid flight, 

 and swim and walk with ease. Their notes are loud and sonorous. They subsist 

 chiefly on vegetable substances. They are said to make bulky nests on the 

 ground, and their eggs are numerous, and creamy-white in colour. They are 

 monogamous, and probably pair for life. During winter they are remarkably 

 gregarious. Their flesh is not unpalatable. 



