Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)

Image
Image
Image
Image

Many people mistake the brent goose for a duck, mainly due to its similar size. As the UK’s smallest goose, it’s roughly the same size as a mallard. These birds spend their summer months breeding in Siberia, Russia, migrating to the UK in October. The journey spans around 3,000 miles each way. Since their migration route takes them over land, the birds can afford to take their time, sometimes taking up to eight weeks to complete the journey, with regular stops at key feeding and roosting sites along the way.

Brent geese feed primarily on eelgrass, and when it’s unavailable, they turn to sea lettuce. In Thanet, you can spot them in their thousands along the northern sea wall, from Reculver to Minnis Bay. Listen closely for their distinctive 'cronking' call as they flit between the beach and the surrounding fields.

Interesting Fact: In the UK we have 3 different subspecies of Brent Goose. The Black Brent is a rare visitor. Dark-bellied Brents are the ones we typically see here in Thanet, which breed in Siberia. And the pale-bellied breed in Canada and are typically found in western parts of the UK.

Download our handy Brent Goose identification guide and fact sheet below.
Brent Goose Fact Sheet

Listen to the brent goose bird call

Listen to the brent goose alarm call

Discover more about the daring dozen migratory birds found in East Kent

Birds that have made the perilous journey to feed on our coast.

Image

Join the Savvy Sea Dogs

By following our Coastal Canine Code
you can ensure that our four legged friends
can continue to enjoy the coast whilst avoiding disturbance to our feathered friends.

Find Out About The Doggy Do Code