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Which of these birds are credited for saving Rome from the Gauls in 390BC?
The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser. It has mottled and barred grey and white plumage and an orange beak and pink legs. A large bird, it measures between 74 and 91 centimetres (29 and 36 in) in length, with an average weight of 3.3 kilograms (7.3 lb). Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places.
An interesting fact about Greylag geese is that they were once considered sacred by the Romans after reportedly saving the city of Rome. Since they were sacred birds, they were kept on Rome's Capitoline Hill, from where they raised the alarm when the Gauls attacked in 390 B.C. The geese warned the Romans with their loud calls about the attempted invasion. After this, it was ordered that the geese were to not be eaten in Pre-Roman Britain.
More Info:
animaldiversity.org
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