Graylag (Barnyard) Geese
The Greylag Goose is the wild ancestor of barnyard geese, originally bred in central Europe, and the basis for almost all European goose folklore. The name “greylag" derives from its grey coloration and the fact that it undertakes late migrations, or “lags" behind other geese. Males swim in a haughty posture to attract the female, and mating is often preceded by mutual head-dipping.
The Graylag is the largest and bulkiest of the grey Anser geese. It has a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. It has pink legs and feet, and an orange or pink bill. Males are generally larger than females.
The plumage of the Graylag Goose is greyish-brown, with a darker head and paler belly with variable black spots. Its plumage is patterned by the pale fringes of its feathers. It has a white line bordering its upper flanks. Its coverts are lightly colored, contrasting with its darker flight feathers. It has a loud cackling call, HOOOOOONK, like the domestic goose.
Read MoreThe Graylag is the largest and bulkiest of the grey Anser geese. It has a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. It has pink legs and feet, and an orange or pink bill. Males are generally larger than females.
The plumage of the Graylag Goose is greyish-brown, with a darker head and paler belly with variable black spots. Its plumage is patterned by the pale fringes of its feathers. It has a white line bordering its upper flanks. Its coverts are lightly colored, contrasting with its darker flight feathers. It has a loud cackling call, HOOOOOONK, like the domestic goose.
