Greylag Goose
Anser anser
The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 107 countries, weighing about 3.3 kg. The greylag goose is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser.
About the Greylag Goose
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…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The greylag is the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese of the genus Anser, but is more lightly built and agile than its domestic relative. 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 with a white or brown nail (hard horny material at tip of upper mandible). It is 74 to 91 centimetres (29 to 36 in) long with a wing length of 41.2 to 48 centimetres (16+1⁄4 to 19 in). It has a tail 6.2 to 6.9 centimetres (2+7⁄16 to 2+11⁄16 in), a bill of 6.4 to 6.9 centimetres (2+1⁄2 to 2+11⁄16 in) long, and a tarsus of 7.
What the Greylag Goose sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Peru, Uganda, Bolivia, Kosovo, St. Martin, Syria.
When to see it
The Greylag Goose can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Greylag Goose?
- The greylag is the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese of the genus Anser, but is more lightly built and agile than its domestic relative. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Greylag Goose?
- The Greylag Goose is a huge sized bird weighing about 3.3 kg.
- Where can you see a Greylag Goose?
- The Greylag Goose occurs in 107 countries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany and Belgium.
- What does a Greylag Goose sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Greylag Goose on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Greylag Goose?
- The Greylag Goose is most easily confused with the Snow Goose, the Greater White-fronted Goose and the Pink-footed Goose.
- Is the Greylag Goose endangered?
- The Greylag Goose is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Greylag Goose for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.