Hubbry Logo
BrantaBrantaMain
Open search
Branta
Community hub
Branta
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Branta
Branta
Branta
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
For other uses, see Branta (disambiguation).

Branta
Temporal range:
Late Miocene-Holocene
A Canada goose (Branta canadensis) swimming at Smythe Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Anserinae
Genus: Branta
Scopoli, 1769
Type species
Anas bernicla (Brant goose)
Linnaeus, 1758
Species

Branta bernicla
Branta canadensis
Branta hutchinsii
Branta leucopsis
Branta ruficollis
Branta sandvicensis
and see text

Synonyms

Nesochen Salvadori, 1895

The black geese of the genus Branta are waterfowl belonging to the true geese and swans subfamily Anserinae. They occur in the northern coastal regions of the Palearctic and all over North America, migrating to more southerly coasts in winter, and as resident birds in the Hawaiian Islands. Alone in the Southern Hemisphere, a self-sustaining feral population derived from introduced Canada geese is also found in New Zealand.

The black geese derive their vernacular name for the prominent areas of black coloration found in all species. They can be distinguished from all other true geese by their legs and feet, which are black or very dark grey. Furthermore, they have black bills and large areas of black on the head and neck, with white (ochre in one species) markings that can be used to tell apart most species.[note 1] As with most geese, their undertail and uppertail coverts are white. They are also on average smaller than other geese, though some very large taxa are known, which rival the swan goose and the black-necked swan in size.

The Eurasian species of black geese have a more coastal distribution compared to the grey geese (genus Anser) which share the same general area of occurrence, not being found far inland even in winter (except for occasional stray birds or individuals escaped from captivity). This does not hold true for the American and Pacific species, in whose ranges grey geese are, for the most part, absent.

Taxonomy

[edit]

The genus Branta was introduced by the Austrian naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1769.[1] The name is a Latinised form of Old Norse Brandgás meaning burnt as in "burnt (black) goose".[2] The type species is the brant goose (Branta bernicla).[3]

Ottenburghs and colleagues published a study in 2016 that established the phylogenetic relationships between the species.[4]

Branta

Brant (Branta bernicla)

Red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis)

Nene (Branta sandvicensis)

Canada goose (Branta canadensis)

Barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis)

Cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii)

Species list

[edit]

The genus contains six living species.[5]

Genus Branta – Scopoli,, 1769 – six species
Common name Scientific name and subspecies Range Size and ecology IUCN status and estimated population
Brant (U.S.) or brent goose (U.K.)

 Branta bernicla
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Three subspecies
 High Arctic tundra. Circumpolar; several distinct breeding populations, which winter in particular areas (some of which overlap) along the northern temperate zone of the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Some resident populations can be found in the United States and Western Europe.[citation needed]
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Red-breasted goose

 Branta ruficollis
(Pallas, 1769) 		Breeds in Arctic Siberia, mainly on the Taymyr Peninsula, with smaller populations in the Gydan and Yamal Peninsulas; wintering on northwestern shores of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, as well as in Azerbaijan
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 VU 


Nene, nēnē, or Hawaiian goose

 Branta sandvicensis
(Vigors, 1834) 		Hawaiian Islands Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 NT 


Canada goose

 Branta canadensis
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Seven subspecies
 Temperate regions of North America, introduced populations in Western and northern Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Barnacle goose

 Branta leucopsis
(Bechstein, 1803) 		Breeds in Arctic Russia, eastern Greenland and northern Europe; wintering in northern and northwestern Europe.
Map of range 		Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Cackling goose

 Branta hutchinsii
(Richardson, 1832)

Four or five subspecies
 North America, northern Canada and Alaska Size:

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 



Two species have been described from subfossil remains found in the Hawaiian Islands, where they became extinct in prehistoric times:

Similar but hitherto undescribed remains are also known from Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.[6]

The relationships of the enigmatic Geochen rhuax, formerly known only from parts of a single bird's skeleton damaged due to apparently dying in a lava flow, were long unresolved. After reexamination of the subfossil material and comparisons with other subfossil bones from the island of Hawaiʻi assigned to the genus Branta, it was redescribed as Branta rhuax in 2013.[7] While a presumed relation between B. rhuax and the shelducks, proposed by Lester Short in 1970,[8] has thus been refuted, bones of a shelduck-like bird have been found more recently on Kaua‘i.[9]

Similarly, two bones found on Oʻahu indicate the erstwhile presence of a gigantic waterfowl on this island. Its relationships relative to this genus and the moa-nalos, enormous goose-like dabbling ducks, are completely undeterminable at present.[6]

Early fossil record

[edit]

Several fossil species of Branta have been described. Since the true geese are hardly distinguishable by anatomical features, the allocation of these to this genus is somewhat uncertain.

  • Branta woolfendeni Bickart 1990 (Late Miocene of Arizona, USA)[10]
  • Branta thessaliensis Boev & Koufos, 2006 (Late Miocene of Perivolaki, Greece)
  • Branta dickeyi Miller 1924 (Late Pliocene – Late Pleistocene of W USA)[8][11][12][13]
  • Branta esmeralda Burt 1929 (Early Pliocene of Nevada, USA)[12][13][14]
  • Branta howardae Miller 1930 (Early Pliocene of California, USA)[13][14][15][16]
  • Branta propinqua Shufeldt 1892 (Middle Pleistocene of Fossil Lake, Oregon, USA)[8][13]
  • Branta hypsibata (Cope) 1878 (Middle Pleistocene of Fossil Lake, Oregon, USA)[8][12][13]

The former "Branta" minuscula is now placed with the prehistoric American shelducks, Anabernicula.[13] On the other hand, a goose fossil from the Early-Middle Pleistocene of El Salvador is highly similar to Anser and given its age and biogeography it is likely to belong to that genus or Branta.[17]

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Branta

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Branta is a of geese belonging to the family , subfamily Anserinae, and tribe Anserini, commonly known as the black geese or brent geese due to their distinctive on the and that sets them apart from the grayish species in the related genus Anser. These medium- to large-sized waterfowl are adapted to northern environments, with all six extant species breeding primarily in , , or temperate high-latitude regions across the and migrating to coastal temperate areas during winter. The genus diverged from its closest relatives in the genus Anser approximately 4.2 to 15.1 million years ago, reflecting an ancient evolutionary split within the true geese. The species within Branta form a clade in which the brant (B. bernicla) is basal and sister to the remaining species; the (B. ruficollis) is sister to the white-cheeked clade that includes the Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis), (B. hutchinsii), (B. canadensis), and (B. leucopsis). These geese typically feature robust bodies, short tails, and bills adapted for on grasses, sedges, and aquatic vegetation, with many species showing in size but similar patterns of black, white, and brown. Habitat preferences vary but often include wetlands, coastal marshes, and agricultural fields, where they form large flocks outside the breeding season for foraging and protection. Notable for their migratory behavior, Branta species undertake long-distance journeys, with some like the now widely distributed due to human-assisted introductions, while others such as the Hawaiian goose are endemic and endangered. Conservation concerns affect several members, including the vulnerable (B. ruficollis) and the endangered Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis), driven by habitat loss, , and climate change impacts on breeding grounds. Overall, the genus exemplifies the adaptability of waterfowl to cold climates, playing key ecological roles in and nutrient cycling in northern ecosystems.

Taxonomy and systematics

Etymology

The genus name Branta is derived from the term brandgás, meaning "burnt" or "black goose," a reference to the predominantly dark characteristic of in this .
This name was coined by Swedish naturalist in the 10th edition of his in 1758, where he established Branta as a distinct within the Anserinae to separate the black geese from the gray geese classified under the Anser.
The linguistic roots trace primarily to influences on for waterfowl, though some derivations suggest possible links to earlier Germanic or Celtic terms describing similarly colored birds.

Species

The genus Branta includes six extant species of black geese, distinguished primarily by their dark plumage, black legs, and bills, and forming a monophyletic clade separate from the gray geese of the genus Anser. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA support this distinction, with the divergence between Branta and Anser estimated at 5–7 million years ago during the late Miocene. These species exhibit varying degrees of morphological variation, including size, coloration patterns, and sometimes flight capabilities, adapted to diverse northern habitats.
  • Branta canadensis (Canada goose) is a large, highly variable species with a black head and neck featuring a distinctive white "chinstrap," brown body plumage, and sizes ranging from medium to giant forms; it is classified with over 11 subspecies, reflecting geographic and size-based differentiation across North America.
  • Branta leucopsis (barnacle goose) is a small species characterized by a striking white face contrasting with a black head cap, neck, and partial breast band, along with silver-gray back and wings; it is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies.
  • Branta bernicla (brant goose) is a compact, dark-bodied species with a fully black head and neck accented by small white patches near the throat, pale underparts, and a short bill; it includes three subspecies (B. b. bernicla, B. b. hrota, and B. b. nigricans), differing mainly in belly color and size.
  • Branta hutchinsii (cackling goose), often historically treated as a subspecies complex of B. canadensis but now recognized as distinct, features a smaller body size, steeper forehead, shorter neck, and stubby bill compared to the Canada goose, with high-pitched vocalizations; it encompasses four subspecies grouped into Arctic and Pacific forms.
  • Branta sandvicensis (Hawaiian goose or nēnē) is a medium-sized, semi-terrestrial species with buff-yellow cheeks, a partially black head, furrowed neck feathers, and reduced wings contributing to limited flight ability; it is monotypic.
  • Branta ruficollis (red-breasted goose) is a small, vividly patterned species notable for its bright red breast, cheeks, and forehead markings against a black back and white facial stripe; it is monotypic.

Fossil record

The earliest fossils attributed to the genus Branta date to the , approximately 10 to 12 million years ago, with remains recovered from deposits in and . In , Branta woolfendeni, described from multiple bones including and coracoids collected at the Big Sandy Formation in , represents one of the oldest known members of the genus. This species was formally named by Bickart in 1990 based on its morphological similarities to modern Branta, such as robust limb elements adapted for terrestrial . In , Branta thessaliensis, known from a distal found at the Perivolaki locality in , , also dates to the (Middle Turolian stage, around 7.5–6.8 million years ago) and exhibits features like a rounded dorsal condyle indicative of early Branta-like . Several key extinct species further illustrate the genus's prehistoric diversity. Branta howardae, described by Miller in 1930 from a carpometacarpus fragment in the Early Ricardo Formation of Kern County, , was comparable in size to modern Branta canadensis but differed in having a more slender proximal end. Anabernicula minuscula (originally described as Branta minuscula by Wetmore in 1924), from the Late Benson locality in and now classified in the genus Anabernicula of extinct shelducks, is represented by a proximal that suggests a smaller-bodied form. In the Pleistocene, indeterminate Branta remains, likely referable to B. bernicla, have been reported from sites in , such as deposits, indicating persistence of the genus in Eurasian contexts. Paleontological evidence reveals evolutionary transitions within Branta from more primitive, duck-like ancestors in the basal to the specialized black geese of today, marked by adaptations for and coastal habitats evident in limb and bill morphology. Fossils distributed across North American and European sites underscore an early Holarctic range for the , with no confirmed records from other continents until later dispersals. The divergence of Branta from its sister Anser is supported by the appearance of diagnosable remains of both around 4–5 million years ago, post-dating Branta-like forms. These fossil ages are primarily established through of associated layers and biostratigraphic correlation with mammalian index fossils in the enclosing strata, providing precise chronological context for Branta's evolutionary history.

Description

Physical characteristics

Branta geese exhibit a wide range in body size across the , with lengths typically spanning 50 to 115 cm and weights from 1.0 to 9.0 kg, reflecting adaptations to diverse environments from tundras to island habitats. is present, with males generally larger and heavier than females, though the difference is relatively subtle compared to some other waterfowl. These geese possess a stout body build suited to their migratory lifestyles, featuring short legs relative to body size, broad wings optimized for long-distance flight, and a robust frame that supports endurance during seasonal journeys. The head, neck, and back display characteristic dark , while white undertail coverts are a common feature aiding in recognition during flight. Their short, bill is adapted for on , with lamellae along the edges facilitating efficient cropping of grasses and sedges. Webbed feet, also , enable effective in aquatic environments, though the degree of webbing varies among species. In island species such as the Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis), adaptations include reduced webbing on the feet and padded toes for navigating rugged lava terrain, alongside shorter wings that limit flight capability in favor of a more terrestrial lifestyle. These modifications highlight the genus's evolutionary flexibility while maintaining core anatomical traits for survival.

Plumage and vocalizations

Branta geese exhibit distinctive plumage characterized by predominantly black upperparts, including heads and necks, often accented by prominent white facial or neck patches that vary by species. For instance, the (B. canadensis) features a black head and neck with white cheek patches extending under the chin, while the brant (B. bernicla) displays a black head with a white neck collar or "necklace" and subtle white flank patches. The (B. leucopsis) has a black head and upper neck contrasting with a white facial patch that forms a bold "spectacle" around the bill and eyes. These patterns provide in and coastal habitats, with black elements absorbing heat and white accents aiding in species recognition. Plumage variations between juveniles and adults are notable, though sexual dimorphism is minimal, with males and females showing nearly identical coloration and patterns. Juveniles across Branta species possess duller, grayer or browner feathers with narrower, more rounded tips on the upperparts and reduced contrast in black areas compared to adults' glossy, broader-feathered definitive basic . For example, juvenile Canada geese lack the sharp white chinstraps of adults and have scaly-looking backs due to retained juvenile feathers. Adults undergo a complete annual molt, primarily in late summer, during which they lose and become temporarily flightless for about 3-4 weeks, replacing them with fresh, uniform before fall migration. Vocalizations in Branta are diverse and species-specific, serving roles in pair bonding and alarm signaling. The produces deep, rhythmic calls, often described as loud and resonant, facilitating long-distance communication during flight. In contrast, the (B. ruficollis) emits higher-pitched, shrill calls such as "ki-kui" or "kik-yik," which are and squeaky, reflecting its smaller size and aiding in flock coordination. These acoustic traits, analyzed through spectrograms, show modulation in pitch and duration that correlates with social contexts, though Branta calls generally emphasize over complex .

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The genus Branta encompasses six extant of geese primarily native to the Holarctic region, spanning arctic, subarctic, and temperate zones of the . These birds occupy coastal and inland areas across and , with distributions shaped by breeding requirements in northern latitudes and wintering grounds farther south. One species, the Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis), represents an outlier as the only member endemic outside the continental Holarctic. The (B. canadensis) is widespread across , breeding from the coastal plain of eastward through the , across to Newfoundland, and south into the northern United States in suitable and boreal habitats. The (B. hutchinsii), a smaller relative, breeds in from and northwestern Québec westward through , across the central Canadian , and into western . The brant (B. bernicla) nests along coasts from approximately 58°N to 82°N, including the and in , as well as eastern , with distinct utilizing Pacific and Atlantic regions. In , the (B. leucopsis) breeds in the European on , the , , and eastern , while the (B. ruficollis) is restricted to high along the in northern . Introduced populations of the have established feral breeding and wintering sites beyond its native range since the mid-20th century. These include self-sustaining groups in (such as the , , , and ), , and parts of (Chile, Argentina, and the ), often originating from captive releases or escaped individuals in the 1950s to 1970s. The current distributions of Branta species trace back to post-glacial recolonization from southern refugia approximately 10,000 years ago, following the retreat of Pleistocene ice sheets, which facilitated northward range expansions and in newly available habitats.120[0889:POCGBC]2.0.CO;2/PHYLOGEOGRAPHY-OF-CANADA-GEESE-BRANTA-CANADENSIS-IN-WESTERN-NORTH-AMERICA/10.1642/0004-8038(2003)120[0889:POCGBC]2.0.CO;2.short) In the high , breeding ranges of multiple species overlap, particularly in coastal of and , where brant, cackling geese, and barnacle geese share similar nesting areas during the short summer season.

Habitat preferences

Branta geese exhibit a strong preference for open, grassy habitats across their range, with breeding primarily occurring in and tundra, coastal lowlands, and marshy areas near water bodies. Species such as the (B. canadensis) and (B. hutchinsii) favor marshes, islands, and shrub-fringed wetlands for nesting, while the (B. leucopsis) selects rocky slopes and cliffs adjacent to lakes or coasts. In winter, these geese shift to coastal marshes, tidal estuaries, grasslands, and agricultural fields, where they exploit seasonal vegetation; for instance, the brant (B. bernicla) relies heavily on eelgrass beds in shallow bays. Dense forests are generally avoided, as Branta species thrive in unobstructed terrains that facilitate visibility and escape from predators. Microhabitat selection emphasizes proximity to for predator evasion and access, with nests often placed on , elevated hummocks, or cliff ledges to minimize flooding and mammalian threats. Elevation preferences vary by species and region, ranging from in coastal breeders like the brant to high montane elevations in populations of the . The Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis), an endemic, deviates slightly by inhabiting volcanic scrublands and lava flows from to over 2,000 m with sparse cover over traditional wetlands, using shallow scrapes under like Dodonaea viscosa for nesting. Physiological adaptations enhance habitat suitability, including dense down feathers that provide insulation against subzero Arctic temperatures during breeding. For the Hawaiian goose, reduced toe webbing and robust hind limbs support navigation across rugged volcanic terrain, enabling persistence in dry, shrub-dominated slopes rather than aquatic environments. Climate plays a pivotal role, with preferences centered on temperate to zones featuring seasonal cycles; breeding aligns with and wetland thawing in northern species, while the Hawaiian goose shifts elevations in response to rainfall patterns, moving to higher, drier areas during summer droughts.

Behavior and ecology

Migration patterns

Species in the genus Branta exhibit diverse migration patterns, with most undertaking long-distance seasonal movements between high-latitude breeding grounds and temperate or subtropical wintering areas, though some populations are resident. For instance, the (B. canadensis) typically migrates 2,800–5,000 km annually, traveling from and breeding sites in and to wintering grounds in the and . Similarly, the brant (B. bernicla) performs extensive coastal migrations, with western populations moving from breeding areas on Melville Island in the Canadian High to wintering sites in the and , covering thousands of kilometers along Pacific routes. The (B. leucopsis) follows direct, often nonstop flights from breeding colonies in , , or northwestern to wintering areas in the , , and , spanning 2,500–3,000 km. Migration routes for Branta species align with major North American and Eurasian flyways, utilizing V-formations to enhance aerodynamic efficiency during flight. Canada geese follow four primary North American flyways: the Atlantic (along the eastern seaboard), Mississippi (central U.S.), Central (Great Plains), and Pacific (western coast), with stopovers at wetlands for refueling. Brant migrations are predominantly coastal, with Pacific populations staging at lagoons like Izembek and Kasegaluk in Alaska before continuing south, while Atlantic brant travel along the U.S. East Coast from Nunavut breeding grounds. Barnacle geese use inland and coastal paths across Europe, often flying at altitudes of 1,000–3,000 m in loose V-formations or lines. Flights occur at speeds of 50–70 km/h, allowing daily distances of up to 1,000 km under favorable conditions, though headwinds and weather can extend travel time. Timing of migrations is synchronized with seasonal changes, generally northbound in spring and southbound in fall, modulated by weather, food availability, and breeding cycles. Canada geese depart wintering areas in March–April, arriving at northern breeding sites by May, and return southward from September to November. Brant initiate fall migration in early September from Arctic breeding grounds, reaching winter sites by late October, with spring departures in March–April leading to May arrivals. Barnacle geese migrate south in October–November and north in April–May, with Svalbard populations staging briefly in Norway before direct flights to breeding areas. These patterns ensure arrival at breeding sites, such as Arctic tundra, in time for nesting. However, not all Branta populations migrate; resident Canada geese, particularly the giant subspecies (B. c. maxima), have established non-migratory groups in urban and suburban areas across the U.S. and Canada, supported by year-round food sources like parks and golf courses, leading to population growth from reintroductions and reduced hunting pressure. The Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis) is entirely non-migratory, confined to the Hawaiian Islands.

Foraging and diet

Species of the genus Branta are primarily herbivorous, with diets dominated by vegetation such as grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants. For Canada geese (B. canadensis), plant material constitutes over 90% of the diet, including bluegrass (Poa pratensis) for protein and corn (Zea mays) as a carbohydrate source during winter. Brant geese (B. bernicla), in contrast, rely heavily on marine vegetation, with macroalgae comprising about 52% of their intake, followed by saltmarsh cordgrass (22%) and eelgrass (18%). Barnacle geese (B. leucopsis) similarly favor terrestrial grasses and forbs in coastal grasslands. Foraging occurs mainly through in large flocks on open grasslands and agricultural fields, where individuals clip close to the ground to maximize intake of nutrient-rich young shoots, or by dabbling in shallow waters to access submerged aquatic plants. These methods allow efficient exploitation of patchy resources, with geese often feeding in edge positions within flocks to access higher-biomass areas and faster. Daily consumption typically ranges from 20-30% of body weight, supporting high metabolic demands during non-breeding periods. Seasonal variations in diet reflect resource availability and nutritional needs; for example, Canada geese shift from corn-dominated winter diets to diverse like roots and aquatic tubers as recedes. During breeding seasons, Branta incorporate more , such as and snails, to boost protein intake essential for reproduction and gosling growth. Intensive can lead to damage in agricultural areas, where flocks overconsume young shoots, reducing yields. In wetlands and coastal ecosystems, Branta foraging contributes to by passing viable seeds from berries and fruits through their digestive tracts, facilitating plant colonization across landscapes. Their fecal deposits also enhance nutrient cycling, recycling and to stimulate primary productivity, though excessive densities may cause .

Reproduction and breeding

Branta geese exhibit a monogamous , with pairs typically forming lifelong bonds that begin when individuals reach around 2–3 years of age. If one partner dies, the surviving goose often pairs with a new mate during the same breeding season. rituals include synchronized displays such as head-pumping, where pairs rhythmically raise and lower their heads, accompanied by vocal duets known as triumph ceremonies that reinforce pair bonds and deter rivals. Nesting occurs primarily , with females selecting sites near water bodies or in vegetated areas for concealment, often forming loose colonies of up to 100 pairs depending on availability and species. Nests are shallow depressions lined with plant material, grasses, and down feathers plucked from the female's , measuring about 12–40 inches in . Clutch sizes generally range from 4 to 7 eggs, laid at intervals of one to two days, with incubation lasting 23–30 days and performed exclusively by the female while the male remains nearby to guard the site. Both parents provide intensive care for the precocial goslings, which hatch with eyes open and downy plumage, leaving the nest within 24–48 hours to follow adults to foraging areas. The male and female aggressively defend the brood against predators, with the family unit staying intact for up to a year; goslings fledge at 6–9 weeks but remain dependent on parental guidance during migration and winter. First-year mortality is high, averaging around 50% due to predation, weather, and starvation, though survival rates vary by subspecies and region. Breeding seasonality differs across the genus: Arctic and temperate species, such as the (B. canadensis) and brant (B. bernicla), nest from May to , synchronizing with peak vegetation growth. In contrast, the Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis), adapted to subtropical islands, has an extended year-round breeding period from August to April, with peak nesting from October to March, reflecting milder climatic conditions.

Conservation and relationship to humans

Population status

The genus Branta encompasses several species of geese with varying population statuses, primarily assessed through the IUCN Red List criteria. The Canada goose (B. canadensis) is classified as Least Concern, with a global population estimated at 5,000,000–6,200,000 individuals (2012), reflecting an overall increasing trend driven by historical recoveries in North America. In contrast, the Hawaiian goose (B. sandvicensis) is categorized as Near Threatened, with a total population of approximately 3,800 individuals (equating to around 2,000 mature individuals) as of 2022, showing signs of increase through reintroduction efforts on multiple Hawaiian islands. The red-breasted goose (B. ruficollis) holds Vulnerable status, with an estimated 19,000–48,000 mature individuals (averaging around 33,000), and recent winter counts ranging from 16,508 to 26,834 between 2018 and 2022. The cackling goose (B. hutchinsii) is classified as Least Concern, with an estimated 4.5 million mature individuals (2020) and an increasing trend. Other Branta species, such as the barnacle goose (B. leucopsis) and brant (B. bernicla), are generally Least Concern, with the global population of the barnacle goose estimated at about 880,000 individuals (2015) and the brant at approximately 490,000 mature individuals (2020), though the Eastern subpopulation of brant was estimated at 112,842 individuals in 2024 midwinter surveys and some subpopulations exhibit stable or slightly declining trends. Population trends within Branta vary by species and region, influenced by historical factors like hunting regulations and ongoing environmental pressures. For B. canadensis, populations expanded significantly post-1950s following bans on market hunting and protective measures implemented in the early , which reversed earlier declines from unrestricted harvesting and habitat loss, leading to a reported 1,500% increase over four decades in . Conversely, B. ruficollis has experienced a suspected decline of 40–49% over three generations (1995–2025), attributed partly to habitat degradation on breeding and wintering grounds. B. sandvicensis populations, while increasing overall, remain precarious due to past bottlenecks and localized constraints. Monitoring of Branta populations relies on standardized methods established since the mid-20th century, including aerial surveys conducted annually across breeding, migration, and wintering areas to estimate abundance and distribution. Banding programs, initiated in the by agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provide data on rates, migration patterns, and impacts through recovery analyses. These combined approaches enable ongoing assessment of trends and inform .

Threats and conservation efforts

Branta species face multiple anthropogenic and environmental threats that impact their breeding, migration, and wintering habitats across diverse ecosystems, from to subtropical islands. Habitat loss and degradation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, , and , pose significant risks; for instance, the Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis) has experienced severe declines due to conversion of native grasslands and shrublands for development and grazing, exacerbated by non-native plants outcompeting food sources like pili grass. Similarly, black brant (Branta bernicla subsp. nigricans) populations are threatened by the deterioration of eelgrass beds in coastal wintering areas, where and reduce foraging availability. Hunting pressure, though historically intense—particularly for B. sandvicensis in the early —remains a concern in regions with unregulated or illegal activities, while alters breeding grounds for species like the (Branta leucopsis) through thaw and vegetation shifts, potentially disrupting nesting synchrony with insect prey peaks. Disease outbreaks further compound vulnerabilities, with avian cholera (caused by ) documented as a major mortality factor in Branta populations. In the 1980s, epizootics struck Mississippi Valley Canada geese (Branta canadensis), killing thousands during winter congregations at refuges like Illinois' Crab Orchard Lake, where bacterial transmission via contaminated water and carcasses amplified losses. Hybridization with Anser species, though infrequent, threatens genetic purity; genomic studies reveal historical between Branta and Anser genera, potentially diluting adaptive traits in small populations like the endangered B. sandvicensis, where human-mediated range overlaps increase encounter rates. Conservation efforts for Branta emphasize habitat protection, population recovery, and international cooperation to mitigate these threats. , the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 safeguards all native Branta species by prohibiting unregulated take and establishing hunting quotas based on annual surveys, which have stabilized populations of migratory forms like B. canadensis and B. bernicla. The on Wetlands, ratified by over 170 countries, designates critical sites for Branta, such as Alaska's Izembek Lagoon—a key molting and for brant supporting up to 300,000 birds annually—ensuring wise use and restoration of intertidal habitats against development pressures. For the critically imperiled B. sandvicensis, reintroduction programs initiated in the 1960s through at facilities like the have released over 2,800 individuals since 1989, boosting wild numbers from fewer than 50 in the 1950s to approximately 3,800 by 2022, though post-release survival remains challenged by predation (around 70-80% nest failure from mongooses and cats). Protected areas, including Hawaii's national parks and wildlife refuges with predator fencing and ungulate control, further aid recovery, leading to its downlisting from endangered to threatened status under the Endangered Species Act in 2020.

Interactions with humans

Branta geese, particularly the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), hold deep cultural significance in Indigenous North American traditions, symbolizing harmony, loyalty, and the cycles of migration and renewal. Among Cree First Nations, the spring hunt for Canada geese is a spiritual practice tied to the birds' return, representing life's rejuvenation and warming weather, and plays a central role in cultural revival efforts. Similarly, the Innu people, an Algonquian group, revere the Canada goose in their creation stories, viewing it as a sacred figure connected to the origins of the world. In Haudenosaunee lore, geese feature prominently in narratives of environmental balance and seasonal change. For Inuit and other Arctic Indigenous communities, Branta species like the brant goose (Branta bernicla) are integral to subsistence hunting, providing essential food and materials, with historical practices regulated to ensure sustainability during times of scarcity. Economically, Branta geese contribute to and industries. The is a popular game in , with an average of approximately 1.85 million harvested annually in the United States during the 2019–2022 seasons, supporting and recreational economies. In , the nēnē (Branta sandvicensis), as the state , draws ecotourists to national parks, wildlife refuges, and birding trails, enhancing visitor experiences in volcanic habitats and contributing to conservation awareness within the broader sector that generates billions in state revenue. However, interactions often involve conflicts, particularly with and . Flocks of geese pose significant hazards at airports, where bird strikes during migration periods can damage engines and lead to costly incidents, prompting habitat management and deterrence programs to mitigate risks. Agriculturally, these geese cause substantial crop depredation, with reported losses exceeding $8 million annually in regions like from grazing on pastures and fields, and up to $1.5 million in Oregon's alone due to reduced yields in and grass seeds. Nationwide, such damage underscores the need for balanced management to protect farming interests. Historically, efforts to domesticate Branta species, such as the , have failed to produce viable breeds, unlike the successful of greylag geese (Anser anser) in ancient civilizations; instead, geese remain wild or semi-tame for ornamental purposes. Indigenous communities have long utilized Branta feathers in traditional crafts, incorporating them into like gustowehs, bustles, dance wands, and jewelry to honor .

References

  1. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brant/cur/systematics
  2. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=174998
  3. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bargoo/cur/systematics
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790316301105
  5. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/systematics
  6. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brant/overview
  7. https://www.fws.gov/species/nene-branta-sandvicensis
  8. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-breasted-goose-branta-ruficollis
  9. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/hawgoo/cur/introduction
  10. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/hawgoo/cur/other
  11. https://www.worldbirdnames.com/bird/cackling-goose/251.html
  12. https://bioone.org/journals/the-auk/volume-121/issue-1/0004-8038_2004_121_0001_MDAMSF_2.0.CO_2/MITOCHONDRIAL-DATING-AND-MIXED-SUPPORT-FOR-THE-2-RULE-IN/10.1642/0004-8038%282004%29121%5B0001:MDAMSF%5D2.0.CO%3B2.full
  13. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/overview
  14. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barnacle_Goose/overview
  15. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/overview
  16. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hawaiian_Goose/overview
  17. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/hawgoo/cur/systematics
  18. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rebgoo1/cur/systematics
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/40661398_Miocene_and_Pliocene_vertebrates_from_Arizona
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258210365_The_late_Miocene_Vertebrate_locality_of_Perivolaki_Thessaly_Greece_2_Aves
  21. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5108&context=condor
  22. https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon_no=391732
  23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3033252/
  24. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Branta_canadensis/
  25. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/
  26. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/id
  27. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brant/id
  28. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rbgoo1/cur/introduction
  29. https://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Branta_canadensis/
  30. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/introduction
  31. https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/endangered_nene.htm
  32. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Branta_sandvicensis/
  33. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1214/
  34. https://www.sibleyguides.com/2009/10/ageing-canada-geese/
  35. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/appearance
  36. https://app.birda.org/species-guide/249/Canada_Goose
  37. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13146&context=condor
  38. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brant/lifehistory
  39. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/sounds
  40. https://app.birda.org/species-guide/247/Red-breasted_Goose
  41. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/branta
  42. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-goose-branta-sandvicensis
  43. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/distribution
  44. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cacgoo1/cur/distribution
  45. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brant/cur/distribution
  46. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bargoo/cur/distribution
  47. https://www.discoverdanubedelta.com/red-breasted-goose-branta-ruficollis/
  48. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.91754
  49. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/canada-goose-branta-canadensis
  50. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/as-2018-0032
  51. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/zeabook/article/1043/&path_info=NAmGeese_for_DC.pdf
  52. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brant/cur/habitat
  53. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/animals/bird/brca/all.html
  54. https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/040924a.pdf
  55. https://www.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/wildlife/2025-03/woogthesisnene.pdf
  56. https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/species/waterfowl/pdf/giles2013CFN.pdf
  57. https://birdfact.com/articles/canada-goose-migration
  58. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70134558
  59. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bargoo/cur/movement
  60. https://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/3433/download?inline
  61. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/do-canada-geese-still-fly-south-for-winter
  62. https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wlb3.01062
  63. https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/branta-canadensis
  64. https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/canada-goose
  65. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=20669&context=auk
  66. https://web.uri.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2064/Ladin-et-al.-2014_brant-diet.pdf
  67. https://www.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/wildlife/2025-03/foraging20dynamics20in20goose20flocks.pdf
  68. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cangoo/cur/foodhabits
  69. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brant/cur/foodhabits
  70. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2012-washburn-seamans-cago-turfgrass-preferences.pdf
  71. https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/CNRE/cnre-160/cnre-160.html
  72. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17518369.2018.1508268
  73. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/lifehistory
  74. https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/hunting-and-trapping/canada-geese-management/behavior-and-biology/
  75. https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/00618/wdfw00618.pdf
  76. https://bioone.org/journals/wildlife-biology/volume-1/issue-3/wlb.1995.018/The-biology-of-canada-geese-Branta-canadensis-in-relation-to/10.2981/wlb.1995.018.pdf
  77. https://humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/wildlife/2025-03/griggsblack2017.pdf
  78. https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/CNRE/cnre-160/cnre-160.html
  79. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brant/cur/breeding
  80. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/B00C
  81. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679935/166195258
  82. https://nene.org/data/population
  83. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cackling-goose-branta-hutchinsii
  84. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/barnacle-goose-branta-leucopsis
  85. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/brent-goose-branta-bernicla
  86. https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/dfw/SWAP2025/Birds/Brant.pdf
  87. https://wiki.ubc.ca/Course:CONS200/2021/A_conservation_success_story%253F_The_recovery_of_the_Canada_Geese_in_North_America_and_remaining_challenges.
  88. https://www.fws.gov/policy-library/A1722fw2
  89. https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfwm/article-supplement/482202/pdf/jfwm-21-088.s7/
  90. https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.22635
  91. https://www.gansodelartico.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AGJV-Strategic-Plan-2020-FINAL.pdf
  92. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/nene/
  93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6887448/
  94. https://meridian.allenpress.com/jwd/article/19/2/95/118321/OUTBREAK-OF-AVIAN-CHOLERA-ON-THE-WINTERING-GROUNDS
  95. https://frontiersinzoology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12983-016-0153-1
  96. https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918
  97. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-10/subpart-B/section-10.13
  98. https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/349
  99. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/12/19/2019-26548/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-reclassifying-the-hawaiian-goose-from-endangered-to
  100. https://www.audubon.org/magazine/these-cree-first-nations-canada-geese-are-central-cultural-revival
  101. https://www.sacredearthcircle.com/post/2011/09/20/praying-with-the-geese
  102. https://www.birdfriendlylondon.ca/canada-goose
  103. https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/canada-goose
  104. https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/blog/nene-in-hawaii/
  105. https://hawaiibirdingtrails.hawaii.gov/bird/hawaiian-goose/
  106. https://www.ohiogeesecontrol.com/border-collie/damage-caused-by-canada-geese-at-airports/
  107. https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/393874.pdf
  108. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/GeeseDucksCoots-WDM-Technical-Series.pdf
  109. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6070935/
  110. https://wanderingbull.com/shop/craft-supplies/feathers/goose-tail-feathers/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.