Food of the Greylag Goose, Anser anser Linnaeus (Auseriiformes : Anatidae)

Abstract

The food of the Greylag Goose,  Anser anser  L.  (Anseriiformes : Anatidae) was studied during the  shooting season from November 1982 to April 1983 at Hokarsar (34°, 06' N and 74 ° , 05' E ; 1584 in  A.M.S.L) an important wetland reserve. Twenty-four geese were  obtained  during the season and their  gut contents analysed. Temporal variations were recorded in the frequency of occurrence and weight  and volumes of the food intake in response to change of food availability and feeding places. During  November and December the geese showed a marked preference for the seeds of  Trapa union  while during February to April young shoots and roots of  Typha  angustata, Butomus umbellatus,  Nymphoides peltatum, Sparganiunt ramosum  formed  the chief dietary items. Weather conditions were  seen to be a very important factor as it influenced the composition of the food