Egyptian Goose
Least ConcernAlopochen aegyptiaca
Visual Identification
Egyptian Goose
Appearance
The Egyptian Goose is a striking bird with a distinctive appearance. Its predominantly grey-brown body contrasts with a darker brown eye patch and chestnut patch on the breast. The wings display a bold white patch, visible in flight and at rest.
Both sexes look similar, with males slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage and lack the distinctive breast patch. The bird's pink bill and legs provide a colourful contrast to its plumage.
Size
Length
63cm to 73cm
Wingspan
134cm to 154cm
Weight
1.5kg to 2.25kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Pink
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Native to Africa, Egyptian Geese are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley. They inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including rivers, lakes, and marshes, as well as grasslands and urban areas.
Introduced populations have been established in parts of Europe, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany. In the UK, they are most common in East Anglia but are expanding their range.
They are also found in parts of the United States, particularly in Florida and Texas.
Elevation Range
Up to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Diet
Egyptian Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, seeds, and agricultural crops. They also consume aquatic plants, insects, and small aquatic animals when available. These adaptable birds often graze in parks and on cultivated land, sometimes causing conflicts with farmers.
Behaviour
Egyptian Geese are known for their aggressive territorial behaviour, often chasing away other waterfowl. They are primarily terrestrial, grazing on land more than swimming.
These birds are highly vocal, frequently communicating with loud honking calls, especially when alarmed or during courtship displays.
Vocalisation
Egyptian Geese are notably vocal birds. Their calls include a distinctive, loud honking sound, often described as a nasal 'haa-haa' or 'hank-hank'. During courtship or when alarmed, they produce a series of rapid, high-pitched calls. Males typically have a more resonant call compared to females.
Nesting & Breeding
Egyptian Geese form monogamous pairs and are known to mate for life. Breeding can occur year-round in their native range, but it typically happens in spring in introduced areas.
Nests are usually located on the ground near water, hidden in vegetation, but they may also use tree cavities or even buildings. The female lays 5-11 cream-coloured eggs in a nest lined with down.
Incubation lasts about 28-30 days, and it is primarily performed by the female. Both parents care for the goslings, which fledge after approximately 70 days. The young remain with their parents for several months after fledging.
Lifespan
years
The Egyptian Goose typically lives for 15 to 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Despite being non-native in many areas, Egyptian Geese are not currently of conservation concern. In some regions, they are considered invasive due to their aggressive behaviour and competition with native species. Management efforts focus on controlling population growth in areas where they have been introduced.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
500,000 - 1,500,000 mature individuals
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Egyptian Geese near water bodies in parks and golf courses
- Listen for their distinctive honking calls, which are often heard before the birds are seen
- Observe their behaviour on land, where they spend much of their time grazing
- In the UK, check large lakes and reservoirs where established populations exist
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Nil Goose
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Adult Egyptian Geese have few natural predators due to their size, but eggs and goslings are vulnerable to various predators including large birds of prey, foxes, and crocodiles in their native range.
Did You Know?
- Egyptian Geese are not true geese but are more closely related to shelducks.
- They were considered sacred by ancient Egyptians and often depicted in their art.
- These birds can survive in water temperatures as low as -30°C, thanks to their well-insulated plumage.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Alopochen aegyptiaca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679993A131910647.
View source - 2
report, 2006: Wetlands International