Brent Goose
Branta bernicla
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Brent Geese are small, dark, compact geese from the Russian Arctic. The Dark-bellied race (the race seen on the Sefton Coast) has a sooty-brown underside and a small white neck patch. They feed on the tidal flats of the Ribble Estuary and use the saltmarsh vegetation. Their numbers reflect the health of Arctic breeding conditions — bad breeding years show up as low wintering numbers. They give a quiet, rolling 'rronk' call.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Estuary · Saltmarsh · Intertidal mudflat |
| Diet | Eelgrass, saltmarsh algae, sea lettuce, grass |
| UK population | Around 100,000 wintering birds (Dark-bellied race from Russia) |
| Sefton Coast | Regular in small to moderate numbers on the Ribble Estuary in winter; occasional at Marshside |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Ribble Estuary channels and tidal flats. Occasional at Marshside RSPB. Grazes on saltmarsh.
Identification
Small, dark goose. Black head, neck and breast. Dark brown body. Small white neck collar (variable). White stern. Dark belly (Dark-bellied race). Much smaller than other geese.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the sea wall toward Crossens in winter and scan the tidal channels. The dark, compact shape and dark belly distinguish them from other grey geese at distance.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two types of Brent Goose?
There are two races of Brent Goose: Dark-bellied (Branta bernicla bernicla) from Russia, which winters mainly in eastern England, and Pale-bellied (Branta bernicla hrota) from Svalbard or Canada, which winters mainly in Ireland and northeast England. On the Sefton Coast, Dark-bellied birds predominate. A third race, Black Brant from North America, is a rare but annual vagrant worth checking for in any Brent flock.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.