Graylag

Graylag refers to the gray lag goose, a large waterfowl in the family Anatidae. Its scientific name is Anser anser. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is the wild ancestor of most domestic geese. The term is commonly used in English to distinguish wild graylag populations from domestic varieties.

Graylag geese are medium to large birds, typically 60–75 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 140–170 cm. They have predominantly gray-brown upperparts, paler underparts, a white rump patch, and black flight feathers. The bill and legs are orange-pink.

In the wild, they breed in wetlands, lakes, and rivers across Eurasia, favoring open grassland near water for nesting. They are partially migratory, moving to milder regions in winter; in some parts of the range they are resident year-round. They have been introduced elsewhere for farming and as escapees.

Graylags are herbivorous, grazing on grasses, sedges, roots, and seeds. They feed on fields after harvest. They form flocks, especially outside the breeding season, and are known for loud honking calls. They nest on the ground, often in tall vegetation or near water; nests are lined with down and grass.

Clutch size is typically 4–9 eggs. Incubation lasts about 28–32 days, largely by the female. Goslings are precocial and fledge within 6–8 weeks, remaining with the parents for a time.

Domestication occurred thousands of years ago in Europe, giving rise to many domestic goose breeds. Today, graylag populations are widely present in the wild in appropriate habitats, and the species is listed as Least Concern by conservation authorities.