Greylag Goose
Least ConcernAnser anser
Visual Identification
Greylag Goose
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Greylag Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials. They graze on grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants in wetlands and nearby fields. In agricultural areas, they may also consume crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, sometimes leading to conflicts with farmers.
These large birds graze on large fields alongside other birds and livestock, such as cows and sheep. They’re pretty content consuming mainly grasses, leaves, stems, and roots, but sometimes they eat insects, molluscs, and small fish.
Greylag geese feed throughout the morning and afternoon and tend to increase their protein-rich food intake during summer in preparation for migration.
Behaviour
Greylag Geese are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. They have a characteristic waddling gait on land and are strong swimmers. During flight, they form distinctive V-shaped formations, communicating with loud, honking calls to maintain group cohesion.
Vocalisation
The Greylag Goose is known for its loud, resonant calls. They tend to be even more nasal than other geese and have around nine types of honk-like sounds and cackles.
Their most characteristic vocalisation is a deep, honking 'aahng-unk' or 'gahng-gahng', often heard in flight or when alarmed. During courtship and pair bonding, they produce softer, more varied calls.
Nesting & Breeding
Greylag Geese typically form monogamous pairs that may last for several years. The breeding season usually begins in April or May, depending on the location. Pairs often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Nests are built on the ground, usually close to water and hidden in vegetation. The female constructs a large, bowl-shaped nest using plant materials and lines it with down. A typical clutch consists of 4-6 creamy white eggs.
Incubation, carried out solely by the female, lasts about 27-28 days. The male stands guard nearby. Goslings are precocial, leaving the nest within 24 hours of hatching and fledge after about 8-9 weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Greylag Goose typically lives for 15 to 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Greylag Goose is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and managing populations in areas where they may conflict with agriculture.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Greylag Geese in open wetlands, lakes, and agricultural fields.
- Listen for their loud, honking calls, especially when in flight.
- Observe their distinctive V-shaped flying formations during migration periods.
- In the UK, check coastal areas and inland wetlands year-round.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Grey Goose, Wild Goose
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Adult Greylag Geese face few natural predators, but eggs and goslings are vulnerable to foxes, large gulls, and birds of prey such as White-tailed Eagles.
Did You Know?
- The Greylag Goose is believed to be the ancestor of most domestic goose breeds.
- They can fly at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters during migration.
- Greylag Geese have excellent memory and can remember migration routes and stopover sites for years.
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FAQs
Why are they called greylag geese?
Greylag geese are reportedly named so because they’re grey geese from the Anser genus that migrate after many other geese, hence “lagging” behind. Some Greylag geese don’t migrate until December.
Are there greylag geese in the US?
There are occasional records of wild Greylag geese in the USA, but these are presumed escapees and/or vagrants from Europe (probably Iceland). Domestic or semi-domestic Greylag geese are common in the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
Can greylag geese be white?
Domesticated Greylag geese can be any colour, ranging from true wild Greylag plumage to completely white. So, in a sense, Greylag geese can be white, but not in their wild form.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anser anser. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679889A131907747.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International