- Alopochen aegyptiaca
Identification
L. 63 - 73 cm
Males average slightly larger.
There is a fair amount of variation in plumage tone, with some birds greyer and others browner, but this is not sex or age related. This is a largely terrestrial species, which will also perch readily on trees and buildings. It swims well, and in flight looks heavy, more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name.
Distribution
Recorded occasionally in winter in Algeria and Tunisia and as a vagrant to Sinai, Cyprus and Malta. The introduced population in Britain is based in Norfolk, particularly around Holkham. Egyptian Geese occasionally breed elsewhere in England and in winter they can appear at almost any site in southern and eastern England as a result of local escapes or wanderers from Norfolk. The Belgian population is in excess of 250 pairs mainly around Brussels and in Flanders. More than 1300 pairs now breed in the Netherlands and from here the species has spread to Northrhein-Westphalen in Germany where several hundred pairs are now established. In addition there are a few pairs breeding ferally in Brittany, records from elsewhere in the region probably relate to local escapes or wanderers from established populations. Habitat in Africa found on rivers, lakes and pools in all but the most heavily forested areas. In Britain mainly on lowland farmland, open woodland and parkland.
Habitat
A widespread and common African goose that was formerly found in South-East Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Today it breeds in the region only in the upper Nile Valley and possibly northern Chad, and as an introduced species in Britain and Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. In southern Egypt where still fairly common, a resident or dispersive species recorded further north in winter.
Taxonomy
Other Names
German: Nilgans; Afrikaans: Kolgans
Behavior
Diet
Typically eat seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. Occasionally, they will eat locusts, worms, or other small animals.
Breeding
This is a territorial species in the breeding season, and will nest in a large variety of situations. Egyptian Geese pair for life.
