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GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

©Nigel Key Greylag Goose (Slimbridge October 2011)

The Greylag goose is the largest of the 'grey' geese and is the last goose to migrate South, 'lagging' behind the others, which led to its name.

They achieve adulthood in the second winter and are the most southerly breeding of the 'grey' geese.

The Greylag goose is the only goose that is indigenous to the British Isles.

The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of the domestic goose.

The Greylag Goose is very similar to the Bean Goose.
(Compare the two Geese)

   Hear the Greylag Goose's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
750mm to 900mm (30" to 35")

Appearance - Male
The Greylag Goose has a Grey/Brown head, neck and plumage with pale fringes on the feathers. Underparts are Light/Grey with a White belly. It has Pink legs and feet with an Orange or Pink bill.

Appearance - Female
Both sexes are alike.

Habitat
Wetlands, Marshes, and Lakes in Iceland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Russia, South China, and North India.

Diet
Grasses, Marsh Plant Roots and Rhizomes, Root Crops such as Turnips, Swedes, Potatoes and Carrots. Also feed on Grain and small Aquatic Animals.

Breeding Time
Early May in Iceland, Late April in Scotland and earlier in mid-Europe.

Eggs
Quantity: 4 to 6
Average Size: 85mm x 58mm.
Colour: Creamy White.


Courtesy AviBirds.com




















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PHOTOGRAPHS

Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2018) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2018) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge March 2019) - pic by Nigel Key
23/05/18 25/09/18 25/03/19
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge November 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2018) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2018) - pic by Nigel Key
30/11/17 23/05/18 23/05/18
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge October 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2017) - pic by Nigel Key
05/10/16 26/05/17 26/05/17
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge November 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
23/11/13 22/07/14 23/05/15
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
26/07/13 04/09/13 04/09/13
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge April 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge April 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge April 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
06/04/13 06/04/13 06/04/13
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge September 2012) - pic by Nigel Key
08/09/12 08/09/12 08/09/12
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge October 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge October 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge October 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
01/10/11 01/10/11 01/10/11
Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge June 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge August 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Greylag Goose (WWT Slimbridge June 2010) - pic by Nigel Key
03/06/09 07/08/09 04/06/10
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Bean Goose - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Pink-Footed Goose - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Bean Goose v's Greylag Goose

Geese Identification - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.




LOCATION

Greylag Goose
Breeding Habitat
From Iceland, North Scotland, Scandinavia to Russia. Also across the Ural Mountains to Manchuria.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Icelandic birds Winter in the British Isles, Others winter in the Netherlands, France, Spain, North Africa, East Mediterranean, N.W. India, Burma and South China.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Greylag Goose
Swan Lake - WWt Slimbridge
© Nigel Key Swan Lake (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Greylag Goose can be found in Swan Lake, along with the following wildfowl:-
Bewick's Swan
Coot
Lesser White-Fronted Goose
Mallard
Mute Swan
Tufted Duck
Swan Lake (WWT Slimbridge)


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl G to L
Gadwall
Garganey
Goldeneye
Greater Flamingo
Greater Scaup
Grey-Crowned Crane
Greylag Goose
Hardhead
Hawaiian Goose
Hooded Merganser
James's Flamingo
Laysan Duck
Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Scaup
Lesser Whistling Duck
Lesser White-Fronted Goose