Greylag Goose

Greylag Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials. They graze on grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants in wetlands and nearby fields. In agricultural areas, they may also consume crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, sometimes leading to conflicts with farmers.

These large birds graze on large fields alongside other birds and livestock, such as cows and sheep. They’re pretty content consuming mainly grasses, leaves, stems, and roots, but sometimes they eat insects, molluscs, and small fish.

Greylag geese feed throughout the morning and afternoon and tend to increase their protein-rich food intake during summer in preparation for migration.

Greylag Geese are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. They have a characteristic waddling gait on land and are strong swimmers. During flight, they form distinctive V-shaped formations, communicating with loud, honking calls to maintain group cohesion.

The Greylag Goose is known for its loud, resonant calls. They tend to be even more nasal than other geese and have around nine types of honk-like sounds and cackles.

Their most characteristic vocalisation is a deep, honking 'aahng-unk' or 'gahng-gahng', often heard in flight or when alarmed. During courtship and pair bonding, they produce softer, more varied calls.