Greylag Goose
Anser anser
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About
The ancestor of most domestic geese, with grey-brown plumage, an orange bill, and pale grey forewing visible in flight. Large and boisterous; one of Europe's most familiar geese. Wild birds breed across Eurasia; re-introduced and feral populations now resident in many areas including city parks.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 87.1 cm | 34.3 in |
| Weight | 3297.5 g | 116.32 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large and heavy; uniformly gray-brown with pale feather fringes on back. Head and neck grayish-brown. Orange-pink bill; pink legs. Pale gray forewing conspicuous in flight. Ancestor of domestic geese.
Habitat & Range
Breeds on moorland, bogs, freshwater wetlands, and lake margins across Eurasia from Iceland to central Asia. Winters on estuaries, agricultural fields, and wetlands. Feral populations year-round in parks.
Geographic Range
Breeds across central and northern North America; winters in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Diet & Feeding
Eats shoots, seeds, and aquatic plants; takes invertebrates in shallow water; diet varies between coastal and freshwater habitats.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 27-28 days. Fledging: 50-60 days.
Clutch Size
3-12
Sound
Song
A deep, loud 'aahng' honking. The ancestral goose of domesticated geese; its call is the template for the classic 'goose honk'. Flocks are highly vocal in flight.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | Anser anser |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greylag Goose eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family