The
greylag goose (
Anser anser) is a
bird in the waterfowl family
Anatidae. It has mottled and barred grey and white plumage and an orange beak and legs. A large bird, it measures between in length, with an average weight of . Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia
migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places. It is the
type species of the
genus Anser and is the ancestor of one type of
domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BC.