The lives of Geese

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland today for thousands of farmers worry about lead that flock of geese can be a carefree life - day after day, year after year.

Wild geese are characterized by a faithful soul

Wild geese, often called gray geese belong to the genus of geese to the field. Field geese once again belong to the family of ducks. Today's domesticated geese are descendants of wild geese. In addition to the Canada goose, they are among the largest in Europe geese. The body length of animals is 75 - 90 cm, her weight, two to four pounds. The females are slightly lighter than the gander.

Typically, the feather in light gray and brown tones is held. The front wing from this area wrinkles and produces very bright during the flight, a silver-shimmering effect. The tail feathers are white on the underside of the bird, there are some black spots of varying size. Characteristic features are the relatively large beak and the thick neck of the animal. Wild Geese are mainly found near lakes and rivers. Because it is breeding birds, they prefer areas rich reed to breed undisturbed. They live mainly in Eastern and Northern Europe and move to winter in the south. Their objectives are among others the Adriatic coast and the coasts of North Africa.

Tend to over-winter populations, however, continues in the north. If the train from the south, it is called resident birds - not from migratory birds. The eastern geese differ from the more western terms, the beak color: orange wedding in the West, they point to the east on a pinkish tone. The Wild Geese occur in large flocks, not just when there is mating or breeding season. An animal can be up to 17 years old. Although they love to stay in the water, the birds find their food mainly on land. They feed on aquatic plants even. Preferably, however, they graze on lush pastures and eat there, short grasses and herbs. With the help of their beak, they are even able to dig into the earth for roots. The animals are active during both day and night. Often they only find the necessary rest at night for food. Is bred from March to late April.

A favorite nesting site are islands or lake. The cubs usually stay until the next breeding separate from their parents and never speak of this later. When the geese are also to partner very loyal animals.