Anser anser
The greylag goose is the ancestor of the domesticated goose. Breeds in Iceland, western Scotland, Norway, Denmark and southeastern Europe. Greylag geese pair for life. The goose lays four to nine eggs, which she incubates alone for 27 to 30 days while the gander keeps guard close by. Both parents care for the newly hatched goslings, which are capable of flight at 57 days but remain in the company of their parents, feeding by themselves.
The above picture was taken on the slopes of Mount Olympus, Greece, in October 2003.
Genus Anser
Tribe Anserini
Subfamily Anserinae
Family Anatidae
Order Anseriformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index