Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on March 7th 2021 (© David Hastings)
(1/2000th sec at f9. Click image for larger version)
Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on January 13th 2013. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on May 8th 2024 (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f8. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 73 - 84 cm; WS: 150 - 170cm

The Greylag is a large goose, weighing in at between 5 and 12lb. It has a large head and almost triangular bill. The legs are pink, and the bird is easily identified in flight by the pale leading edge to the wing.

In Britain wild Greylags only breed in the Outer Hebrides and the northern mainland of Scotland. During the 20th century feral populations were established elsewhere, and they have now re-colonised much of England. Around 3200 wild pairs and 31000 feral pairs nest in the UK, while around 92000 birds over-winter here.

The breeding habitat is a variety of wetlands including marshes, lakes, and damp heather moors.

The Greylag is migratory, moving south or west in winter, but Scottish breeders, some other populations in northwestern Europe, and feral flocks are largely resident.

Its conservation status is vulnerable owing to small number of wild breeding pairs.

Sightings