Greylag Goose

Greylag geese breed across northern and eastern Europe into Russia, with migratory populations wintering in western and southern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa. They frequent lakes, marshes, wet grasslands, and agricultural land. Adults average around 80 centimetres long and have gray-brown plumage edged more lightly above, a pale belly, orange bill, and pinkish flesh-colored legs. Mature birds frequently develop dark spotting across the underside, whereas juveniles have grayer legs and lack much of this marking (Animal Diversity Web).

These geese eat grasses, marsh-plant rhizomes, roots, spilled grain, and cultivated crops such as turnips, carrots, and potatoes. Small aquatic animals, including insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, and amphibians, may supplement the mainly plant-based diet. Greylag geese reproduce seasonally and lay eggs that hatch into well-developed young. Both parents protect and care for the goslings. Outside the breeding period they are social and may form migratory flocks that travel between northern breeding areas and milder wintering grounds (Animal Diversity Web).