Birds and wildlife

Greylag Goose

Anser anserGroup: Ducks, geese and swansUK Conservation status:Amber

How to identify

The ancestor of most domestic geese, the Greylag is the largest and bulkiest of the wild goose native to the UK and Europe. In many parts of the UK, it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas. The resulting flocks (often mixed with Canada Geese) are found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain. They tend to be semi-tame which can make them a little uninspiring. The native birds and wintering flocks found in Scotland have the special appeal of truly wild geese. Greylag Geese are listed in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning they can be killed or taken outside of the close season.

Call

Greylag Goose

Patrik Åberg / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Key facts