This type of goose is thought to be the primary ancestor of most domestic geese breeds. [11], Young greylags stay with their parents as a family group, migrating with them in a larger flock, and only dispersing when the adults drive them away from their newly established breeding territory the following year. [6], This species has a Palearctic distribution. Greylag Goose. Little bigger than a mallard, this dark-plumaged goose is most concentrated along the east coast, especially East Anglia. Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places. Greylag geese were domesticated by at least 1360 BC, when images of domesticated birds resembling the eastern race, Anser anser rubirostris (which like modern farmyard geese, but unlike western greylags, have a pink beak) were painted in Ancient Egypt. The greylag goose has a loud cackling call similar to that of the domestic goose, "aahng-ung-ung", uttered on the ground or in flight. [25], A crossbreed between a wild greylag goose and a domesticated swan goose (A. cygnoides domesticus), as evidenced by its thick neck and bulky head, both of which display vestigial patterning like certain domestic breeds, "Greylag" redirects here. It was linked with the goddess of healing, Gula, a forerunner of the Sumerian fertility goddess Ishtar, in the cities of the Tigris-Euphrates delta over 5,000 years ago. [6][10] Adults have a distinctive 'concertina' pattern of folds in the feathers on their necks. Already have an account with us? [17], Greylag geese are largely herbivorous and feed chiefly on grasses. Bekijk deze stockfoto van Flock Of Greylag Goose During Autumn Migration At Lake. It is the type species of the genus Anser and is the ancestor of the domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BC. Greylag geese Anser anser depart earlier in spring: an analysis of goose migration from western France over the years 1980–2005. Large bulky grey goose, with pinkish-orange bill and dull pink legs. [3] The greylag goose was one of the first animals to be domesticated; this happened at least 3000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, the domestic breed being known as A. a. Goose feathers were used as quill pens, the best being the primary feathers of the left wing, whose "curvature bent away from the eyes of right-handed writers". [23] Since they were sacred birds, they were kept on Rome's Capitoline Hill, from where they raised the alarm when the Gauls attacked in 390 BC. Listen to the latest episodes from our country podcast, Guide to Britain’s geese: how to identify and where to see, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors named International Dark Sky Reserves, Mackenzie Crook on his new Worzel Gummidge for Christmas in the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast, Guide to British seabirds: how to identify and where to see them, British birds of prey guide: how to identify raptors and where to see, Guide to Britain’s tit species: how to identify and where to see, Guide to cuckoos: where to see in Britain and why the species is in decline. spatial differences in migration strategies), and management (e.g. [5], The greylag is the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese of the genus Anser, but is more lightly built and agile than its domestic relative. With the help of over 7,000 of the world’s best wildlife filmmakers and photographers, conservationists and scientists, Arkive.org featured multi-media fact-files for more than 16,000 endangered species. [19] At least in Europe, patterns of migration are well understood and follow traditional routes with known staging sites and wintering sites. The greylag goose is grey-brown on its back, with grey plumage on its neck and a white underbelly. Greylag Goose. Some populations, such as those in Southern England and in urban areas across the species' range, are primarily resident and occupy the same area year-round. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. This medium-sized goose resembles the white-fronted but has a dark face and bill and pink legs. domesticus. [11] In the 1920s in Britain, the pink-footed goose "discovered" that potatoes were edible and started feeding on waste potatoes. You can unsubscribe at any time. Within science, the greylag goose is most notable as being the bird with which the ethologist Konrad Lorenz first did his major … The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser . [11] European birds migrate southwards to the Mediterranean region and North Africa. Arriving from Greenland and Iceland, around 300,000 winter on the east coast, especially Norfolk, though some 50,000 choose Lancashire’s coast. Acorns are sometimes consumed, and on the coast, seagrass (Zostera sp.) Greylag Goose Measurements 87 being (standard deviation X 100)/(mean), takes unit size into account and so en ables comparison of dispersion between samples of dissimilar weights or indeed of dissimilar units, for example weights and wing-lengths. The most impressive – and vocal – are geese, which mingle with resident species to create an impressive spectacle as they gather to feed on seeds, grass, potatoes and small invertebrates. In many parts of the UK it has been re-established by releasing birds in suitable areas, but the resulting flocks (often mixed with Canada geese) found around gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs all year round in southern Britain tend to be semi-tame and uninspiring. [6] It is 74 to 91 centimetres (29 to 36 in) long with a wing length of 41.2 to 48 centimetres (16.2 to 18.9 in). It has mottled and barred grey and white plumage and an orange beak and pink legs. The female does the incubation, which lasts about twenty-eight days, while the male remains on guard somewhere near. Our largest and most common resident goose has grey plumage and an orange bill; 140,000 resident birds are bolstered by 90,000 winter arrivals from Iceland. [7][8][9] Males are generally larger than females, with the sexual dimorphism more pronounced in the eastern subspecies rubirostris, which is larger than the nominate subspecies on average.[6]. Within science, the greylag goose is most notable as being the bird with which the ethologist Konrad Lorenz first did his major studying into the behavioural phenomenon of imprinting. Greylag Goose (Anser anser) calling. [21] Most such pairs are probably life-long partnerships, though 5 to 8% of the pairs divorce and re-mate. For that festival, in Thomas Bewick's time, geese were driven in thousand-strong flocks on foot from farms all over the East of England to London's Cheapside market, covering some 8 or 9 miles (13 or 14 km) per day. The nominate subspecies breeds in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Baltic States, northern Russia, Poland, eastern Hungary and Romania. After breeding season the geese moult all their feathers which are then replaced by new ones. In Both species are dark grey-brown with orange legs and bills. Anser anser, the greylag goose, is a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. 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