Domestic Greylag Geese (Anser anser var. domesticus) are large, bulky waterfowl domesticated from the wild Greylag goose. Kept for meat, eggs, and down feathers for over 3,000 years, they are highly alert social birds that can live 20 to 30 years and make excellent flock "watchdogs".
Key Facts & Characteristics
History: Domesticated in Ancient Egypt, they are among the first animals domesticated by humans.
Appearance: They generally feature pale grey-brown plumage, pink or orange legs, and orange or pink bills. Because of selective breeding, they vary widely in size and color, often appearing heavier or having more white feathers than wild ones.
Behavior: Highly sociable and vocal, they are easily tamed and are frequently found in local parks or farmyards.
Diet: Herbivores that prefer grazing on pastures, meadows, and grassy wetlands.
Interbreeding: Because they are the direct descendants of wild Greylag geese, they can easily interbreed with them.
