Melville Island is one of two major breeding grounds for the brant goose. It is named for the brant goose. Wildlife include migrating jaegers, scoter, grebe, and Brant goose. Waterfowl include Canada goose, snow goose and brant goose (brent goose). Large populations of the American brant goose nest on coastal islands at the river's mouth. It is named after the brant goose in the area.