Identifier et chercher la Bernache cravant du Pacifique en hiver en France

The Brant Goose Branta bernicla is a small (55 -66 cm long) goose long and with a short, stubby bill. This species is divided in three subspecies: Dark-bellied Brant Goose Branta bernicla bernicla, Pale-bellied Brant Goose Branta bernicla hrota and Black Brant Branta bernicla nigricans (sometimes also known as the Pacific Brant in North America).
This latter  is a very contrastingly black and white bird, with a uniformly dark sooty-brown back, similarly-coloured underparts (with the dark colour extending furthest back of the three forms) 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 wintering 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 coast, among the numerous Branta bernicla 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.