Domestic Goose look-alikes

Key differences

The wild ancestor. Domestic geese are generally larger, heavier, and often have a more upright posture. Many domestic breeds have white plumage, a bill knob, or a dewlap, which are absent in wild Greylags. Wild Greylags are typically uniform grey-brown with an orange bill and pink legs, and are strong flyers.

Key differences

Canada Geese are easily distinguished by their black neck and head with a prominent white 'chinstrap' marking. They are generally smaller than most domestic geese and have black bills and legs.

Key differences

The wild ancestor of the Chinese Goose breed. Wild Swan Geese are slimmer, with a longer neck, a dark brown cap, and a white line at the base of the bill. Domestic Chinese Geese retain the long neck and often the dark cap, but are larger and typically have a prominent black knob on the bill, which is absent in wild Swan Geese.