688 Featured Specimen

Greylag goose

Anser anser

A large gray goose closely related to domestic geese, moving between wetlands and grazing fields.

Range

Habitat range map

Native range Occasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Uses lakes, marshes, rivers, grassland, farmland, coastal lagoons, and parks near open feeding areas.

Plumage is gray-brown with pale belly markings. The bill is orange or pink, and the legs are pale pink.

Pairs, family parties, and large winter flocks move together, calling frequently and remaining alert.

Grass, roots, grain, aquatic plants, and crops are eaten from ground and water margins.

Large nests are built in vegetation near water or on islands. Adults lead and defend goslings as family groups.

It adapts well around people, requiring local balance between crop impacts and wetland conservation.