596 
THE BLACK BRANT. 
there about first of May, and breeding all along the river to the sea. On the Atlantic coast it 
is rare. Audubon found them arriving just before the Canada Goose in considerable numbers 
in Kentucky, betaking themselves to the grassy ponds. Of the different species in this country 
this is the least shy. The flocks seldom reach above thirty to fifty individuals. 
The male is twenty-seven and one-quarter inches long, and sixty inches in extent of wing. 
The sexes are nearly alike in plumage ; the female being a little less in size. The bill is con- 
spicuous as carmine red. 
The European White-fronted Goose is seen on this side the Atlantic at rare intervals as a 
straggler. 
The Canada Goose ( Bernicla canadensis), or common “Wild Goose” of the Eastern 
States, inhabits the whole of North America, breeding in the United States as well as farther 
north. It is accidental in Europe. Dr. Hayden states that it breeds on the Yellowstone, and 
Coues found it breeding in North Carolina. In the former region it was seen breeding in trees. 
Dr. Coues says: “This fact of arboreal nidification is probably little known, and might 
even be doubted by some ; but, although I have not myself seen the nests in the trees, I am 
perfectly satisfied of the reliability of the accounts furnished me by several persons, among 
whom I need only mention Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden’s party. While I was in Montana, 
I found the circumstance to be a matter of common information among residents, who 
expressed surprise that it was not generally known. The birds are stated to build in the 
heavy timber along the large streams, and to transport the young in their bills to the water. 
This corresponds to the habit in the wood duck, while it is paralleled to the example of the 
herring gull, which, according to Audubon, has been seen breeding in communities in trees, 
though ordinarily it breeds on the ground.” The Noddy Tern is another example. The 
editor of this edition has seen considerable numbers of this tern breeding among the low 
bushes of the islands of Florida Reef. 
A variety of this species is called Hutchen’s Goose. Dali found it very abundant in 
Alaska. This variety is peculiar to the Western States and Territories. 
Another variety is called the White-cheeked Goose. 
The Larger White-cheeked Goose (Bernicla canadensis occidentalis.) Most people 
have heard the horde honk of the Wild Geese, and have seen the triangular or Y-shaped group 
as they pass overhead ; sometimes in heavy weather being within gunshot of the earth. 
The Canada Goose does not, though gregarious, seem to be fond of the company of other 
species, as is the case with some. During its migrations it is always unaccompanied by any 
excepting its own kind. Its flight is strong, rapid, and extremely steady. The flock when 
migrating flies at about a mile in height. A variety of this Goose is now recognized as 
the White-cheeked Goose. 
Black Brant (Bernicla nigricans). This bird is common to North America and Europe, 
but rare on the Pacific coast. This form — the nigricans — is rare on the Atlantic side, where 
the common Brant is more familiar. At Egg Harbor the Brant is expected about the first of 
October, or a trifle earlier. The first flocks remain but a few days, and then pass on to the 
south. On recommencing their journey, they collect in one large body, and making an 
extensive spiral course, some miles in diameter, rise to a great height, and then steer for 
the sea, over which they uniformly travel, often making wide circuits to avoid passing over 
a small projecting point of land. Flocks continue to arrive, many remaining until December. 
The Brant never dives, but feeds at low water on the flats. The voice is harsh and “ honking .” 
About the fifteenth of May they are seen coming north, but do not stop long, going on to their 
breeding-places far north. The weight of this bird is about four pounds, and its length two 
feet ; the extent of wing three feet and six inches. The sexes are almost alike in color — 
indeed, they cannot be distinguished. 
With the lovers of water-fowl the Brant is highly esteemed. “ May Brant” is a term well 
appreciated by them. 
The Common Brant (B. brenta) is regarded as a distinct species. 
