The greylag goose is a species of geese. It is one of the most common waterfowl and the second largest goose species in Europe. Greylag geese are the wild ancestors of our domestic geese. They reach
a length of up to 90 cm, a wingspan of up to 180 cm, and a weight of up to 4 kg. Ganders are heavier than females.
The greylag goose breeds in northern and eastern Europe. Contrary to its natural instincts, in some regions it no longer migrates south in winter and has become a year-round resident bird. Outside the breeding season, greylag geese live in large flocks. They incubate 5 to 6 eggs, and the chicks take about 60 days to raise. 

The barnacle goose owes its name to the contrast between its white face and black neck and nape, reminiscent of a nun's habit.
It belongs to the genus of sea geese.

Since the 1970s, the barnacle goose has also been breeding in the Baltic region. It is primarily a winter visitor, appearing in small flocks together with bean and white-fronted geese. At the beginning of their migration, they gather in large flocks of up to 50,000 individuals.

The Canada goose originates from North America. It has been present as a breeding bird in Germany since the 1970s. It migrates south for the winter and returns to breed. Larger than the greylag goose, it is the largest goose species in Europe. With its black head and white neck band, it is quite striking. It weighs 5-6 kg and has a wingspan of 1.50 m. In large numbers, these birds become a nuisance. They eat over 1 kg of grass per day and leave behind a considerable amount of droppings. They require bodies of water and adjacent areas where they can graze, especially parks or lakes. During the breeding and rearing of 5 to 6 goslings, they are quite aggressive towards other waterfowl. 

In Germany, it arrives in large numbers as a winter visitor from the end of September. It forages for food in meadows and grain fields, sometimes causing damage. It closely resembles the greylag goose and the greater white-fronted goose. Differences include its black-spotted bill and dark brown neck. It is the third most common wild goose.

The Egyptian goose is a non-native species native to Africa. During the breeding season, it is strictly territorial and tolerates no other waterfowl in its territory. Since the 1970s, its population has spread rapidly. Although it is hunted in nine German states, the population continues to increase. Egyptian geese can be problematic when they try to drive people out of their territory at lakes, parks, or on lawns. Because they eat a third of their body weight daily, they heavily pollute their territories. Since 2017, they have been on the list of invasive alien species of EU concern.

The barnacle goose belongs to the waterfowl family and, as a migratory bird, is only seen in our region during the winter. At 62 cm, it is relatively small and has white patches on its neck. 
They breed in colonies and display their courtship rituals in the Wadden Sea and on the Hallig islands. Their neck, plumage, and rump are black, while their tail feathers are white.