Greylag Goose
Anser anser
Length 75-90cm

Largest of the so-called grey geese and the only one which breeds in Britain. Precise natural range confused by presence of numerous feral populations but Scottish birds presumed to be native. British population swollen in winter, from October to March, by migrants from Iceland which also occur in Ireland; these birds favour coastal grassland and farmland. Greylag goose has grey-brown plumage which is barred on back and belly; has white stern and dark, wavy feather ridges on neck. British birds have pink legs and orange-yellow bill; birds from E Europe have pink bills. In flight, has striking blue-grey panel on leading edge of inner wing. Rather noisy when in flocks, they sound identical to farmyard goose, the domesticated descendent of the greylag.