Large, big-headed, thick-necked,
heavy grey goose. Head, neck and most of body uniform
pale brownish-grey. Characterised by large size, heavy
head and neck with stout bill, and very pale bluish-grey
forewing – the latter especially distinctive in
flight. Bill bright orange; legs flesh pink. Breast
often spotted with black. Young birds similar to adults
but generally unspotted, with greyer legs. Can be confused
with pink-footed and white-fronted goose (protected
in Scotland) especially immature birds, and bean goose
(protected), but all these are smaller and more slightly
built by comparison.
I am grateful to BASC
who allowed us to use this information which is reprinted
from their 'Pocket Guide to Quarry Identification' ©1984
British Association for Shooting and Conservation.
