The Grey Lag Goose — Anser Cinereus, Meyer
Although about a century ago this bird used to nest in the fens of Cambridge and Lincolnshire, it has long since ceased to do so, and the only places where it may still be found breeding in these islands are in the north of Scotland and in the Outer Hebrides. In winter it occurs on our coasts in company with other species of Geese, but it is by no means common, and the majority pass on to the south, reappearing on their way north in spring. The food consists chiefly of grass and other green food, which it seeks on salt marshes near the sea by day, retiring to the shore to rest at night. It is the only Goose that breeds in our islands. The nest is begun in the middle of April and consists merely of a “scrape” amongst the grass or heather which is lined, as incubation proceeds, with down plucked from the body of the female. The eggs are usually six in number and dull yellowish white in colour.
As soon as the female begins to sit the males gather together in small flocks and take no further interest in their mates. Geese are strong fliers, and, being very wary birds, extremely difficult to approach. In flight they usually assume a wedge-shaped formation known as a “skein.” The note is a harsh “gaggle, gaggle,” like that of our domestic Goose, which is supposed to have originated from this species.
There is some doubt as to the origin of the name Grey Lag, but it is now generally conceded to have been applied to this species because it lagged behind after the other Geese had gone to their breeding quarters in the north.
The adult is greyish brown on the upper parts and breast, the rest of the under parts being whitish grey with a few black feathers. The young are rather darker and lack the black feathers underneath. Length 34 in.; wing 17 in.