Andrew Chick Ecology

Greylag Geese in Lancashire 18/12/24 (c) Andrew Chick

Telling Greylag Geese and Pink-footed Geese apart in flight can be tricky, but there are several key differences to look for in size, shape, plumage, and calls. Here’s a guide to help you distinguish between the two species:

1. Size and Flight Profile

• Greylag Goose: Larger and bulkier, with a more robust, broad-bodied appearance. Their necks look thicker and shorter compared to Pink-footed Geese. Their wingbeats are slower and heavier, giving them a more labored flight.
• Pink-footed Goose: Smaller and more streamlined, with a slimmer body and a longer, more elegant neck. Their wingbeats are quicker and more energetic, giving them a more agile, graceful flight.

2. Plumage and Wing Color

• Greylag Goose: Pale greyish-brown overall, and their wings look paler with a noticeable light gray or silvery color on the upperwing. Their belly can appear pale or even whitish.
• Pink-footed Goose: Darker overall, with a darker chocolate-brown head, neck, and breast. Their wings are darker, often appearing more uniform brown or gray-brown in flight. They lack the pale silver sheen that Greylags show on their wings.

3. Beak and Leg Color

• Greylag Goose: Orange bill and pinkish-orange legs, but these features may not be visible in flight unless they are flying low.
• Pink-footed Goose: Shorter, darker bill with a distinct pink band near the middle. Legs and feet are a distinct pink color, but like the Greylag, these details are often hard to see in flight.

4. Calls

• Greylag Goose: Loud, deep, honking “aahng-aahng” or “ga-ga-ga” sounds, similar to the sound of a farmyard goose. It’s more drawn-out and nasal.
• Pink-footed Goose: Higher-pitched, faster, more yelping calls that sound like “wink-wink” or “yip-yip-yip.” Their calls are more rapid and higher in pitch than the Greylag’s deep honk.

5. Flock Structure

• Greylag Goose: Often seen flying in smaller, looser formations or family groups, but they can also form larger flocks. Their “V” formation may look less tidy than that of Pink-footed Geese.
• Pink-footed Goose: Often seen in large, tightly organized “V” formations or skeins, especially during migration. Their formations look more disciplined and orderly compared to Greylags.

Pink-footed Geese in Lancashire 18/12/24 (c) Andrew Chick