Greylag Goose (Grågås)

Characteristics:
The Greylag Goose is Sweden’s largest wild goose, measuring 80–90 cm in length with a wingspan up to 170 cm.
Its plumage is grey-brown with a lighter underside, pale grey neck, and pink bill and legs.
The wings are darker grey with pale edges, and in flight it shows a light leading edge and pale upper side.
It is easily recognised by its robust body, steady flight, and loud honking call “ga-ga-ga”.

Habitat:
The Greylag Goose breeds throughout most of Sweden, but is most common in southern and central regions.
It prefers wetlands, lakes, coastal meadows, bays, and farmland.
Southern populations are resident, while northern birds migrate to Western Europe for the winter.

Behaviour:
The Greylag Goose is social and cautious.
During breeding it lives in pairs, but gathers in large flocks in autumn before migration.
It is a strong flyer and typically travels in V-formation.

Diet:
The species is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, herbs, roots, and cereal crops.
In spring it grazes on fresh grass, and in autumn it feeds on grain and beet fields.

Reproduction:
Breeding occurs in April–May.
The nest is built from grass, reeds, and down, located on the ground near water.
The female lays 4–7 eggs, incubated for 27–28 days.
The goslings leave the nest shortly after hatching and follow their parents to nearby water.
They become fully fledged after about 8–9 weeks.

Migration:
Most Swedish Greylag Geese migrate to Denmark, the Netherlands, and northern Germany for the winter, though many southern populations are resident year-round.
Migration occurs in September–October, with return in March–April.

Distribution:
Occurs across Europe and western Asia.
In Sweden, the population is increasing, and the species is now common in farmland and lake areas.

Hunting:
The Greylag Goose is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season:

• Southern Sweden: 11 August – 31 December
• Northern Sweden: 21 August – 31 December
  Protective hunting is allowed during spring and summer where the species causes damage to crops.

Hunting is commonly conducted as flight hunting (morning and evening flights), often using decoys or blinds near fields and wetlands.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 3–5, or
• Rifle class 3 (for stalking or precision shooting).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Large, grey goose with pink bill and legs.
• Common in wetlands, coasts, and farmland.
• Eats grass, crops, and aquatic plants.
• Flies in V-formation.
• Ground nester, 4–7 eggs per clutch.
• Partially migratory, many stay in southern Sweden.
• Game species – hunting season August–December.
• Hunted with shotgun (no. 3–5) or rifle class 3.
• Wary and flock-living, requiring good camouflage and patience.