The ancestor of most domestic geese, the greylag is the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas, but the resulting flocks (often mixed with Canada geese) found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame and uninspiring. The native birds and wintering flocks found in Scotland retain the special appeal of truly wild geese.
Key ID Features:
Large grey-brown goose with white under tail.
Orange beak and orange or pinkish legs.
Very pale, grey upper wings visible in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Anser anser
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Greylag geese are easily seen in lowland areas of the UK all year, sometimes even in suburban parks with lakes but especially on low-lying grassy fields in river valleys. Wild ones, however, are found mostly north of the Solway and can be seen at RSPB nature reserves such as Mersehead (Dumfries & Galloway), Vane Farm (Fife) and Loch of Strathbeg (Grampian) from September to April. Wild breeding greylags can be found at Forsinard (Caithnes & Sutherland).
Seen in UK:
All year round in the south; mostly September to March or April where wild visitors appear in the north.
What they eat
Aquatic plants, grass, grain, potatoes
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Poole Park, Dorset
Photographer: Tim Tapley
