Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian Goose is a native of the Nile River basin in Africa. They have no very close relatives, and are most similar to the shelducks. They have been domesticated for many centuries in Africa, and domesticated Egyptian Geese also have been raised occasionally in other parts of the world. Escaped Egyptian Geese have established breeding populations in many locations in Europe and Asia. The American Birding Association added the Egyptian Goose to the official North American ABA checklist in 2014, based on well-established breeding populations in southern Florida. The species is also occasionally seen in Texas, California, and in other scattered locations throughout the United States, but is only considered a local breeder in the Florida area at this time. The lone bird seen in the photos on this page was found in November, 2005 at Arrowhead Park east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It it likely an escapee from captivity rather than a true vagrant, although given the widespread number of sightings throughout the U.S., a vagrant cannot be ruled out.

Habitat

Found in wetlands and ponds in relatively open habitats. They avoid water in heavily wooded areas.

Diet

Feeds heavily on vegetative material such as algae and aquatic plants, grasses, roots, seeds, leaves, and buds, but will also feed on worms, insects, and other small invertebrates.

Behavior

Very terrestrial, often foraging on land and sometimes very far from water. They are somewhat gregarious, often found in small loose flocks and family units. They are known to be one of the most aggressive waterfowl species when near nestings sites, particularly when defending young.

Nesting

The nest of an Egyptian Goose is quite variable, both in structure and placement. Depending upon location, they may breed on open ground, in trees and shrubs (where they often take over nests of other species), in shallow burrows, or even on walls and other man-made structures. The nest is made of vegetative material (whatever dominant vegetation may be around), lined with down. The female lays between 5-12 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. The eggs hatch after about 4 weeks and both parents tend to the young until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Egyptian Geese are monogomous and are thought to mate for life.

Song/call

The male Egyptian Goose has a quiet quacking noise that is only occasionally heard. They are much more vocal when courting, with louder honking and other noises made by the male. The female has a louder, harsher quack than the male, often used when tending to and protecting young.

Migration

Egyptian Geese are typically non-migratory.

Interactive eBird map

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Egyptian Goose sightings

Similar Species

Generally distinctive if seen well.

Conservation Status

The species is found over a very broad geographic area (particularly when accounting for birds introduced outside of their native range), and are common in many parts of their range. The IUCN lists the Egyptian Goose as a species of "Least Concern".

Photo Information

Photo taken on November 20th, 2005 - Arrowhead Park near Sioux Falls, South Dakota - by Terry Sohl