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What is an Egyptian Goose?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

The Egyptian goose is an African water bird and a member of the anatidae family, which also comprises other species of ducks, swans and geese. They are about 26 inches long (68 cm), with a wingspan of 56 inches (142 cm) and a weight of about 4.5 pounds (2 kgs). The primary color is chestnut with brown patches over the eyes and a black tail. Their feet, legs and bills are all pink. In ancient times, the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all kept domesticated Egyptian geese as a source of food.

These birds are native to Africa, but due to domestication, people transported them to other parts of the world at various times in history. In some areas where this happened, such as Great Britain, feral populations, which still survive, developed. They prefer to live in places near water and are often found in areas along the Nile River as well as on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The Egyptian goose is known to be very comfortable on land, and it doesn’t spend as much time swimming as some other waterfowl.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

Egyptian geese are omnivorous, eating plant foods like grass and seeds along with insects and worms. During food shortages, they sometimes move inland and take advantage of crops on human farmlands. When this happens, they can take a serious financial toll.

The temperament of the Egyptian goose has been described as pugnacious or combative. They generally tend to fight each other quite aggressively and are often especially prone to this behavior during breeding season. They also usually dislike other kinds of birds and will normally attack them with very little provocation. The Egyptian goose can sometimes show this kind of aggression towards people as well, especially when breeding or defending their nests.

Males are slightly larger than females, but they look basically identical. They form a pair bond, and their nesting activities are somewhat variable. Sometimes they will take advantage of nests abandoned by other birds, and sometimes they build their own nests. The location for a nest can be anywhere from the side of a cliff to a tree stump or a burrow. They normally lay six or seven eggs, and they incubate for about 30 days, with the female handling the incubation duties.

After hatching, the chicks generally become independent within 70 days. They reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age, and they normally live approximately seven years. The Egyptian goose population is relatively strong, and they aren’t considered an endangered species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Egyptian Goose and where can it be found?

The Egyptian Goose is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae and is native to Africa, particularly south of the Sahara and in the Nile Valley. It has expanded its range to parts of Europe and is considered an invasive species in some areas. These birds are often found near freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

What does an Egyptian Goose look like?

An Egyptian Goose is easily recognizable by its distinctive markings. It has a brownish-grey body, pink legs, and a dark brown eye patch. The wings are marked with a white patch, and during flight, the bright colors are quite noticeable. Males and females look similar, but males are slightly larger and have a louder honk.

What do Egyptian Geese eat?

Egyptian Geese are omnivores with a diet that includes a variety of grasses, seeds, leaves, and plant stems. They also consume small insects and aquatic animals. Their feeding habits can adapt to different environments, which has helped them thrive in areas outside their native range.

Are Egyptian Geese aggressive?

Egyptian Geese are known for their territorial behavior, especially during breeding season. They can become quite aggressive towards other birds and even humans if they feel their nest or offspring are threatened. This assertiveness is one reason why they have been successful in establishing populations in new areas.

How do Egyptian Geese reproduce?

Egyptian Geese form monogamous pairs and are known for their strong pair bonds. They typically nest in secluded areas near water and the female lays between 5 to 12 eggs. Both parents take part in raising the young, which fledge after about 70 days. Their reproductive success contributes to their growing populations in non-native regions.

What is the conservation status of the Egyptian Goose?

The Egyptian Goose is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to its wide distribution and large, increasing population. However, in areas where it is non-native, it can pose a threat to local ecosystems and is sometimes managed to prevent ecological imbalance.

Discussion Comments

anon276088

Aggressive to other birds with little provocation? Not in my backyard; they get along fine with the other species of ducks and waterbirds on our lake. I have never seen them attack any of the other birds.

anon155346

I live in South Florida and we have about eight pairs of Egyptian Geese on our golf course. One of the pair have about 10 just hatched young. One other pair have three young ones about four months old now, the father is very mean to one of the three. Is there any books out there that talk about the behavior of the adults and the young?

OceanSwimmer

The Egyptian Goose is said to have been sacred to the Ancient Egyptians. Artwork has been found from that time period that suggests that the Egyptian Goose was actually domesticated.

The lifespan of this goose in the wild is not yet determined. However, there was an Egyptian Goose in the Woodland Park Zoo lived 14 years.

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    • Veterinarian with a puppy
      Veterinarian with a puppy