A small, short-legged goose of coastal areas, easily recognised by its black head and neck and the small white collar at the throat. The amount of dark and pale on the belly and flanks varies among subspecies. The form known as “Black Brant,” found mainly in western North America and eastern Asia, is the darkest and shows sharply contrasting white flanks. It breeds on high Arctic tundra and winters along saltmarshes, rocky shores, sheltered bays, and beaches. Inland records are uncommon. It is almost always encountered in flocks and only occasionally associates with other goose species.