Grias cauliflora

Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae. 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 centimeters 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 migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places.

Description

The Greylag Goose is the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese of the genus Anser. It has a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. It has pink legs and feet, and an orange or pink bill. It is 74 to 91 centimeters long with a wing length of 41.2 to 48 centimeters. The body weight can range from 2.16 to 4.56 kilograms, with an average weight of around 3.3 kilograms.

Distribution and Habitat

The Greylag Goose is native to Europe and Asia. It is the type species of the genus Anser and is likely the ancestor of the domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BC. The species is common in the north and west of Scotland, and northeast England, especially in Sutherland, the Outer Hebrides, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Behaviour and Ecology

Greylag Geese are gregarious birds and form flocks. This is a benefit as it allows them to watch other geese and follow them to feeding areas. They communicate with each other by honking. Greylag Geese eat a variety of food, but they are particularly fond of certain types of aquatic vegetation.

Conservation

The Greylag Goose has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion. Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion.

See Also

• List of geese
• Anatidae
• Bird migration