Greylag Goose
Anser anser
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Greylag Goose is a large, robust waterfowl with predominantly grey-brown plumage. Its body is marked by darker barring on the belly and lighter grey fringes on the back feathers, giving it a scaly appearance. The head and neck are a lighter grey-brown colour.
Adults have a distinctive orange-pink bill and pink legs. Females are mostly the same as males but are smaller on average and can sometimes have duller plumage. Juveniles appear similar to adults but with a duller overall colouration and lack distinct belly markings.
Size
Length
75cm to 90cm
Wingspan
147cm to 180cm
Weight
2.5kg to 4.1kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Pink Orange
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Greylag Geese inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, including marshes, lakes, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. They are also found in adjacent grasslands and agricultural areas. Their breeding range extends across northern and central Europe and Asia.
In the UK, Greylag Geese are year-round residents, with populations augmented by winter visitors from Iceland.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Greylag Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons