Greylag Goose
Anser anser
The Greylag Goose is a common and widespread species in Britain, often seen in wetlands, grasslands, and farmland throughout the year, with some populations migrating from northern Europe and Asia to spend the winter in the UK. It can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including parks, nature reserves, and coastal areas.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Greylag Goose in the field.
The Greylag Goose can be identified by its mottled grey and white plumage, orange beak, and pink legs, with a distinctive barred pattern on its breast and flanks. Its size and broad, rounded head shape also help to distinguish it from other goose species.
The Greylag Goose is a large bird, measuring between 74 and 91 centimetres in length, making it larger than a Canada Goose is not a good comparison as it is similar in size, but it is significantly larger than a Mallard.
The male Greylag Goose has a distinctive mottled grey and white plumage, with a barred pattern on its breast and flanks, and an orange beak and pink legs, with no significant seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Greylag Goose is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with the same mottled grey and white pattern, although she may be slightly smaller and have a slightly duller beak colour.
The Greylag Goose has a loud, honking call, often described as a deep "honk-honk" or "ka-ka", which can be heard throughout the year, particularly during the breeding season.
Greylag Geese are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and aquatic vegetation, and can often be seen grazing in fields and meadows, as well as swimming in wetlands and coastal areas, with a distinctive waddling gait on land.
The Greylag Goose can be confused with other goose species, such as the Canada Goose and the White-fronted Goose, but can be distinguished by its orange beak and pink legs, as well as its distinctive barred pattern on its breast and flanks.
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