Greylag goose © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Greylag goose
Enw gwyddonol: Anser anser
The greylag goose can be easily spotted around parks, gravel pits and river valleys, but these populations tend to be semi-tame, having been reintroduced. Truly wild populations can be found in Scotland.
Species information
Category
Ystadegau
Length: 76-89cmWingspan: 1.6m
Weight: 3-4kg
Average lifespan: 8 years
Statws cadwraethol
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
Pryd i'w gweld
January to DecemberYnghylch
Our commonest native goose, the greylag goose can be very territorial while nesting, chasing other geese and large birds away from its nesting site. Greylag geese become sociable again once the chicks have hatched, with several families of goslings sometimes grouping together. Greylag geese have short bills and prefer to graze pasture and meadows where cattle or sheep are grazing. They will also take grain, root crops and leafy vegetation.Sut i'w hadnabod
The greylag goose is a large, pale grey goose with pink legs and an orange bill.Dosbarthiad
Wild birds nest in Scotland, while others come from Iceland to spend the winter. Feral birds nest throughout the country on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits.Roeddech chi yn gwybod?
The wild greylag goose is the ancestor of most domesticated, farmyard geese. It was traditionally eaten at Michaelmas (the 29th September: a day for celebrating the archangel St. Michael), and was cooked with port and mustard.Gwyliwch
Greylag Goose by John Bridges