Very large, grey-brown
goose with long neck; black head and neck with distinctive
white patch extending from chin across cheeks to behind
eye. Body dark above; paler brown flanks and under parts;
tail black with white inner band. Bill and legs black.
Males and females similar. Young birds similar to adults,
and generally indistinguishable in field. Not easily confused
with other species of goose. The largest European goose:
much larger than brent and barnacle goose (both protected),
with characteristic black and white pattern on head and
neck.
