- Lifespan
- 15–20 years in the wild, occasionally longer in captivity
- Size & Weight
- 76–89 cm long, wingspan 147–180 cm; 2.5–4.1 kg
- Habitat
- Lakes, reservoirs, marshes, and wetlands with open water and nearby grazing areas; also parks and river systems.
- UK Distribution
- Winter visitor and passage migrant from northern Europe; small feral resident population year-round in England and Scotland from introduced birds; numbers peak October to March.
- Diet
- Primarily grasses and other vegetation; also grains, seeds, and aquatic plants, feeding by grazing on land or dabbling in water.
- Predators
- Fox, mink, and occasionally golden eagle; eggs and goslings vulnerable to crows, herons, and pike.
- Mating Season
- March to June
- Breeding
- Clutch of 4–6 eggs; incubation period 27–28 days by female; single brood per year; goslings fledge at 8–9 weeks.
- Behaviour
- Highly social and vocal, often seen in large flocks, especially in winter. They form strong pair bonds and both parents protect young. Known for their distinctive loud honking calls.