THE BRANT. 
167 
extent ; the bill is about an inch and a half long, and black ; 
the nostril large, placed nearly in its middle ; head, neck, and 
breast, black, the neck marked with a spot of white, about two 
inches 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-coverts, 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 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, 
though esteemed by many, tastes somewhat sedgy, or fishy .f 
'* The figure of this bird given by Bewick, is in that state. 
f Mr Ord adds : — “ The individual figured in the plate was shot by the 
Editor, at Great Egg Harbour, on the 19th of May, 1813. It had been com- 
pelled to land by a storm, which surprised it while travelling to the north. The 
procuring of this bird was a fortunate occurrence for Mr Wilson, he having 
omitted to make a drawing while specimens were to he obtained during their 
sojourn on our coast. The following day, the author and his friend returned 
home from their last shooting expedition to the sea-shore ; and, on the 23d of 
August, the ingenious and excellent Wilson bade adieu to this world for ever.” — 
