Greylag Goose (Wild Goose)

A large, robust grey feather with a white shaft. The bird itself is a heavy-bodied goose with a large orange bill and pink legs, known for its loud 'honking' calls and V-formation flight.

Silvery-grey to ash-brown base. The rachis is creamy white. There is a distinct dark brown/grey wash towards the tip, typical of most Anser genus geese.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure for most of the vane to provide lift; plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily for waterproofing. The trailing edge is softer than the leading edge.

Large size, creamy-white rachis, greyish-brown vane with a rounded tip, and lack of distinct barring found in hawks or owls.

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, and agricultural fields (especially post-harvest) near the Stow Bardolph area in Norfolk.

Widespread across Europe and Asia; northern populations are migratory, while many UK populations are resident.

Grazer and seed disperser; serves as a prey species for large raptors and foxes, and acts as an indicator of wetland health.

Pink-footed Goose (shorter, darker), Canada Goose (darker/blacker vanes), Mute Swan (pure white).

Greylag Geese are highly monogamous and stay in family groups for a long time; they were the primary species studied by ethologist Konrad Lorenz for 'imprinting'.

Good to Fair; shows some separation of the barbs (venting) near the base and mid-vane, likely due to natural wear before molting.

Stow bardolph hare arms