Scientific name Anser anser Rank Breed | Higher classification Greylag goose | |
Similar Sebastopol goose, Emden goose, American Buff goose |
Pilgrim geese (Australian Settler geese in Australia) are a breed of domestic goose. The origins of this breed are unclear, but they are thought to be either descended from stock in Europe, or developed from American stock during the Great Depression era.
Description
History of Pilgrim geese: Contrary to legend, Pilgrim geese were not brought to the United States by early settlers. Oscar Grow, noted waterfowl expert from the early 1900s developed this breed from one or more of the auto-sexing European breeds such as the West of England goose or the French Normandy goose. Their name was supposedly assigned by Mrs. Grow to commemorate her family’s personal pilgrimage to Missouri during the Great Depression. They were admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1939.
This breed of goose is listed as critical by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.