Greylag goose call: Simon Elliot, Xeno-Canto
Greylag goose
Greylag goose
Anser anser
The greylag goose is the largest native goose found in the UK. It is a year-round resident with numbers boosted in winter by migrant birds from Iceland.
Greylag geese are distinguished by their size, pink legs, orange bill and paler plumage compared to other grey geese. Historically, they were the only breeding goose in Britain, and most domestic geese are descended from them. After almost disappearing in the 19th century due to over-hunting and changes in land management, they were reintroduced to various areas of the UK and their population recovered.
Although identical in appearance, greylags fall into two populations: resident birds, which are fairly tame and mostly found in the south, and migratory Icelandic birds, which are wilder and mainly found in the north.
They breed in a variety of wetlands. Goslings can fly after about two months but remain with their family until the following spring.
Local spotlight
Greylag geese are not present in large numbers around the Solent coast. Key places to see them include Testwood Lakes and Dark Water Estuary at Lepe, though they are more regularly sighted on inland ponds.
Conservation status
The species is amber-listed in the UK. While not named in the Solent’s Special Protection Areas, greylag geese are still important for the coastal ecosystem and form part of the non-breeding waterbird assemblages these regions are protected for.
Did you know?
Greylag geese are monogamous and will re-enact their courtship ritual each time they have been separated from their mate.
