Identifier et observer la Bernache cravant du Pacifique en France

The Brant Goose Branta bernicla is a small goose long and with a short, stubby bill. This species is divided in four subspecies: the Dark-bellied Brant Goose Branta bernicla bernicla (the mots common in Europe in winter), the Pale-bellied Brant Goose B. b. hrota, the Grey Brant Goose B. b. nigricans and the Black Brant Goose B. b. orientalis. This latter  is a contrastingly black and white bird, with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back than the three other subspecies) and a prominent white flank patch. It also has larger white neck patches, forming a near-complete collar. It breeds in northwestern Canada, Alaska and eastern Siberia and winters mostly on the west coast of North America from southern Alaska to California, but also some in east Asia, mainly Japan. it can be watched in small numbers in some areas along the Western French coasts, among the numerous B. b. bernicla.
Thanks to Fabrice Desage and Christophe Mercier, who sent us numerous photos and useful informations, we present you some tips to identify the Black Brant and the best areas to search for it in winter in France.