Brant (Branta bernicla)

Recently a concerned gentleman and his son brought a Brant, Branta bernicla, into the wildlife clinic for admission after obtaining advice from the Wildlife Advisory Telephone line (631-423-0982). The bird was found in their yard unable to fly.

Upon examination by the wildlife rehabilitation department of Volunteers for Wildlife, the bird was found to be emaciated, weak, dehydrated, and afflicted with feather lice. Additionally the Brant had a nasty "cough"; the increased respiratory sounds were most likely an indication of a respiratory infection. An intriguing part of this patient's history was the band on its right leg. Lauren Schulz, the education coordinator at Volunteers for Wildlife reported the band information to learn more about our patient. Apparently this bird was in fact a female Brant banded in Point Lookout, New York on 2/20/2003!

Antibiotics, fluids, and rest were prescribed for this winter visitor. After being deloused, the Brant swam in a warm bath. Unfortunately, several days of supportive care and medication were not enough to bring this beautiful bird back from her severe level of emaciation. Our migrating visitor did not survive. Emaciation and exhaustion afflict many migrating species. Several elements factor into a successful migration, one of those is nutrition. Before heading out on their journey migrating birds must increase their weight to sustain their bodies higher demands. Long flights and poor weather can lead to a dangerous situation for many birds. If the bird can rest and find a sufficient food source before it is too late they can survive. The death of the banded Brant was reported to the bander. Hopefully the information gathered by this bird and others like her will lead researchers and rehabilitators to a better understanding of migration, population, and the ecology of the world's migratory birds.

Branta bernicla, are separated into three distinct winter populations who intermingle throughout the breeding range. The Pale-bellied population can be found nesting in the eastern part of the breeding range and will winter on the Atlantic coast of North America and Ireland.