The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a large species of goose that breeds across parts of Europe and Asia. Some populations of greylag geese have been introduced to areas outside of their native range, including parts of the United States. In the US, greylag geese are present as feral populations that were originally introduced for ornamental purposes or hunting, as well as through accidental escapes from captivity.
Are there greylag geese in the US?
Yes, there are populations of greylag geese present in parts of the United States. These geese were not originally native to North America and were introduced through human actions.
Where in the US were greylag geese introduced?
Greylag geese have been reported in isolated pockets across many parts of the US. Some of the key areas where they have been observed include:
- Washington – There are feral breeding populations on San Juan Island and Whidbey Island.
- Oregon – Greylags occur locally in parts of western Oregon, such as Sauvie Island and the Willamette Valley.
- California – Small feral populations exist in areas like Humboldt County and the Sacramento Valley.
- Nevada – Greylags have been observed around bodies of water in northern Nevada like Pyramid Lake.
- Utah – There have been reports near the Great Salt Lake and Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge.
- Midwest states – Scattered sightings have occurred in places like Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
- Northeastern states – Greylags have been spotted in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and other coastal areas in this region.
How were greylag geese introduced to the US?
Greylag geese were brought to the United States primarily in two ways:
Intentional introductions
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, greylag geese were imported to North America for ornamental and hunting purposes. Wealthy estate owners released them into private lakes and ponds as ornamental waterfowl. State conservation agencies also released greylag geese in some areas, such as Oregon, to provide a game bird for hunters.
Accidental escapes
Over the years, greylags have also accidentally escaped from zoos, waterfowl collections, and private breeders. Such accidental escapes have contributed to the establishment of some feral populations.
When were greylag geese first introduced to North America?
Records show that greylag geese were first brought to North America in the late 1800s. Some key early introductions include:
- 1870s – Greylags imported to New York’s Central Park and Oregon’s Willamette Valley for ornamental purposes.
- 1899 – Approximately 80 greylags released near Blythe, California by hunting club for sport hunting.
- Early 1900s – Private estates in New York, Massachusetts, and Washington State imported greylags for waterfowl collections.
So the majority of introductions happened in the late 19th century into the early 20th century. However, further releases and escapes have occurred in more recent decades as well.
How many greylag geese are there in the US?
The overall North American population of non-native greylag geese is estimated to be between 7,000 – 10,000 birds. However, their distribution is very localized and scattered.
Some population estimates for key areas include:
- San Juan Islands, Washington – Approximately 700 birds
- Sauvie Island, Oregon – Up to 1,000 geese
- Madison County, New York – Around 600 to 700 birds
In other locations, the population sizes may range from just a few dozen to a few hundred geese. Overall numbers fluctuate from year to year as well.
What habitats and climates do greylag geese live in across the US?
Greylag geese occupy a variety of wetland habitats in the areas they have been introduced to in the United States. These include:
- Freshwater lakes – Greylags make extensive use of larger lakes in places like New York’s Finger Lakes region and Wisconsin’s Door County.
- Rivers and marshes – Slow moving rivers, marshes, and swamps provide good habitat, like those found along the Willamette River.
- Reservoirs – Man-made reservoirs are utilized in many areas, such as Nevada’s Lahontan Reservoir.
- Coastal bays and estuaries – Greylags frequent marine habitats in coastal areas from Washington to Massachusetts.
Greylag geese thrive in temperate climates. The areas of the US they inhabit generally experience warm summers and mild to cold winters. They are found predominantly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and California.
What do greylag geese eat in the US?
Greylag geese are herbivorous birds that feed on a wide variety of plant material. Their diet in the United States consists of:
- Grasses – A major component of their diet. They graze extensively on grasses in meadows, lawns, and pastures.
- Agricultural crops – Greylags may feed heavily on crops like wheat, corn, rice, and potatoes.
- Aquatic plants – Forage on pondweeds, bulrushes, cattails, and other aquatic vegetation.
- Seeds and berries – Will eat seeds from grasses and agricultural crops. Also consume berries from bushes.
They are opportunistic feeders and adjust their diet based on the seasonal availability of food sources in a given area.
Do greylag geese migrate or stay in one area in the US?
The introduced greylag populations in the United States are primarily non-migratory resident flocks. They do not undertake long migrations between breeding and wintering grounds. However, some key patterns of shorter movements include:
- Nomadic movements – Greylags may wander locally between nesting and feeding areas.
- Seasonal dispersal – During the flightless molt period, geese may move to more secluded molting sites.
- Winter movements – In colder northern areas, greylags may move short distances to find open water.
- Early life movements – Goslings may move from natal areas after fledging and before their first winter.
So while major migrations do not occur, greylag geese exhibit a range of local movements in response to seasonal factors.
How do greylag geese impact local ecology and agriculture in the US?
The introduction of non-native greylag geese can have several ecological and agricultural impacts including:
- Overgrazing and damage to native wetland plants
- Competition with native waterfowl for food and habitat
- Hybridization with native goose species such as Canada geese
- Crop and agricultural damage from grazing and trampling
- Accumulation of droppings leading to water quality issues
- Public nuisance from aggressive behavior on parks and beaches
However, the extent of these impacts varies a lot between different U.S. locations based on the local greylag population size and other factors. Overall, their impacts are considered relatively minor compared to other invasive species.
Are greylag geese legal to hunt in the US?
The legal status of hunting greylag geese depends on state and local regulations:
- California – Greylags are not legally huntable. They have full protection under the law.
- Oregon – Harvest is permitted in some counties during goose hunting season.
- Washington – Greylags are not designated as a game species and cannot be legally hunted.
- Nevada – No regulations explicitly prohibit greylag goose harvest.
- Midwest/East Coast – No hunting regulations specific to greylags. Harvest may fall under general goose hunting seasons.
So in summary, opportunities to hunt greylags are very limited or prohibited outright in most states due to their introduced status and low numbers. Hunters need to carefully consult state regulations before pursuing greylags.
What conservation efforts are being made for greylag geese in the US?
Some conservation and management efforts for greylag geese in parts of the U.S. include:
- Monitoring programs to track population sizes and distribution.
- Habitat protection and restoration around key breeding and molting sites.
- Nesting platforms and boxes to support breeding pairs.
- Banding programs to study movements and demographics.
- Public education to promote coexistence with greylags.
- Culling and population control in some cases where aggressive management is warranted.
However, in most locations conservation efforts are very limited. More often, management focuses on preventing further expansion or introduction of greylags rather than promoting their populations.
What is the conservation status of greylag geese globally vs in the US?
Globally, the greylag goose is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The Eurasian populations remain relatively abundant and widespread.
However, conservation status differs for non-native greylags in the United States:
- Federal status – Not listed under the Endangered Species Act or other protective statutes.
- State status – Classified as exotic, introduced, or non-game species by most states.
- IUCN status – Not evaluated separately from Eurasian greylags.
So introduced greylag populations in the U.S. are not considered threatened or endangered. Management practices focus on control rather than protection in most areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, greylag geese are locally present in parts of the United States as introduced, non-native waterfowl. They were imported in the late 19th to early 20th centuries for ornamental collections and hunting. Today, feral greylag populations persist in scattered pockets around the U.S., mainly inhabiting lakes, marshes, and coastal estuaries. Their impacts are variable but generally not considered ecologically significant. Conservation efforts for greylags in the U.S. remain relatively limited compared to native waterfowl species.