Graylag Goose Bird Details
Anser anser
Graylag Goose,Wild Goose, European Graylag Goose;
Dhoosar Hans
Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anser
Appearance :
Graylag Geese are large waterfowl with a bulky body and a broad, thick neck. Their plumage is mostly grayish-brown, with a paler belly and white underparts. The bill is pinkish-orange, and the legs and feet are orange. They have pale grayish-brown heads and necks with a few streaks, and their wings are darker gray with a prominent white stripe visible during flight.
Behaviour :
Graylag Geese are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks, especially outside of the breeding season. They are strong flyers and excellent swimmers, but they mostly graze on land. They are known to be vocal, producing loud honking sounds, especially during migration or when in flight. These geese are territorial during the breeding season but more social during migration and in winter.
Habitat :
Graylag Geese inhabit wetlands, lakes, marshes, and river valleys. They are also found in agricultural fields, especially during winter. Breeding occurs in freshwater lakes, marshlands, and river islands with ample vegetation.
Diet :
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, leaves, and grains. In agricultural areas, they consume crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Graylag Geese breed across northern and central Europe and parts of Asia, particularly in Russia and Scandinavia. They migrate to southern Europe, northern Africa, and South Asia during the winter.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be over 1 million individuals, with strongholds in Europe and Asia.
Life Span :
The average lifespan in the wild is around 10 to 20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Graylag Goose is large and stocky with a robust, bulky body, ideal for grazing and flying long distances. It is the ancestor of most domestic geese breeds.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) length ranges from 80–90 mm, allowing them to wade through wetlands and marshy areas easily.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large with a pale grayish-brown color. It is typically unmarked, but in some individuals, there may be faint streaking. The head smoothly transitions into the long neck.
- Bill: The bill is thick, short, and slightly tapered with a pinkish-orange color.
- Bill Length: Approximately 55–65 mm.
Length :
The overall body length ranges from 74–84 cm, making it one of the largest goose species.
Neck :
The neck is long and thick, helping the bird forage in wetlands and grasslands. Its pale gray color matches the rest of the body.
Size :
The Graylag Goose is a large waterfowl species, with males being slightly larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short and slightly rounded.
- Tail Length: Tail length ranges from 135–160 mm.
- Feathers: The plumage is mostly grayish-brown with paler underparts. The wings are darker, and the rump and belly are white. In flight, a distinctive white wing stripe can be seen. Their feathers are dense and well-suited for cold climates.
Weight :
They weigh between 2.5 to 4.1 kg
Wing :
The wings are broad and strong, designed for sustained flight during migration. The wingbeats are powerful and steady.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is between 147–180 cm
Facial Feature :
The face is pale grayish-brown, similar to the body. The bill is orange or pinkish, and the eyes are dark brown. There are no distinct facial markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are typically built on the ground, in secluded spots near water, such as marshes, lakes, and rivers. They may also nest on small islands or elevated locations to protect from predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are made of reeds, grasses, and other vegetation, and are lined with down feathers from the adult birds to provide insulation and warmth.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically starts in April and lasts until June.
Nesting Season :
Nesting usually occurs in early spring after the geese have returned from their wintering grounds.
Egg Color :
The eggs are creamy white or pale buff.
Egg Length :
The eggs measure approximately 85–95 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 55–60 mm.
- Egg Weight: The eggs weigh approximately 160–200 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size typically ranges from 4 to 6 eggs, but can sometimes reach up to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, the Graylag Goose produces one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 27–28 days.
Nestling Period :
The goslings are precocial and leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. Goslings can fly within 8–9 weeks after hatching.
Vocalization :
Graylag Geese are known for their loud, honking calls. The sound is often a deep, resonant honk
Sex Demorphism :
Males are generally slightly larger than females.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern:
- Graylag Geese are migratory birds in northern and central Europe and Asia, moving to warmer areas in the winter. However, populations in southern Europe and parts of Asia may be sedentary.
- They migrate in large flocks, often forming V-shaped formations.
Migration Period:
- The migration period occurs twice a year:
- Autumn Migration: From September to November, as they move to their wintering grounds.
- Spring Migration: From February to April, when they return to their breeding grounds.
Migration Route:
- Breeding Grounds: Graylag Geese breed in northern and central Europe, including countries like Norway, Sweden, Russia, and parts of Asia.
- Wintering Grounds: In winter, they migrate to southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, France), North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia (India, Pakistan).
