The Greylag Goose is the species from which most farmyard geese were bred.
The Greylag Goose is the species from which most farmyard geese were bred as can be seen by comparing their calls and the size, shape and colour of their bills and feet. In the wild the big deep-based bill, pink or orange is always diagnostic and the pink legs would rule out any species other than Pink-foot. Greylags are also bigger, bulkier and paler than other grey geese. The head, neck, chest, belly, upperwing, underwing and rump can all look conspicuously pale grey, making flight identification relatively easy. Breeds on boggy moorland, often near water. Winters on flooded grassland, estuaries and arable fields. Now a common feral bird across the UK. Wild wintering birds from Iceland are best seen in Scotland, with Loch Eye in the Highlands holding large numbers. Breeds in many areas of north and eastern Europe. Winters in spectacular numbers at many places including Loch Leven (Scotland), Freisland (Holland) and the Coto Donana (Spain). In Britain, the wild breeding populations of the Outer Hebrides are estimated at 500-700 pairs, with a post-breeding population of between 2 500-3 000 individuals. The British feral population is estimated at somewhere in the region of 20 000 birds, with about 700 birds in Ireland. Wintering figures reach about 100000 birds. At least 50,000-60,000 pairs breed within Europe, with larger numbers present in winter. Russian population 8500-13000 Turkish population 200-1000
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