134 THE BRANT. 



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 con- 

 cealed by the white coverts ; primaries and secondaries 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, 

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



* TIh:" ilgupe of thh bird given hy Bewick, i» in that ^tate. 



r 



\ 



