Greylag Goose

Anser anser(Linnaeus, 1758)

Least ConcernIntroduced

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Anser

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The greylag goose is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser. It has mottled and barred grey and white plumage and an orange beak and pink legs. A large bird, it measures between 74 and 91 centimetres in length, with an average weight of 3.3 kilograms. Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia often migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places, although many populations are resident, even in the north. It is the ancestor of most breeds of domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BCE. The genus name and specific epithet are from anser, the Latin for "goose". In the USA, its name has been spelled "graylag".

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Wingspan: 147 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

flight

In flight, the inner front half of the upper wing and the rump appear as strikingly pale, silvery-grey patches that contrast sharply with the darker flight feathers.

plumage

Look for the distinctive 'concertina' pattern of deep, vertical ridges on the neck and a crisp white horizontal line bordering the upper flanks.
Adults often show variable black spotting or blotching across the belly, a feature that is absent in younger birds with completely unspotted underparts.

size_and_shape

Note the remarkably thick, heavy-based neck and bulky head, paired with a large, triangular bill that features a distinct pale or brownish 'nail' at the tip.

voice