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Conservation status: Introduced

Related to the shelduck, this pale brown and grey goose has distinctive dark brown eye-patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. It was introduced as an ornamental wildfowl species and has escaped into the wild, now successfully breeding in a feral state.

Overview

Latin name

Alopochen aegyptiacus

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Where to see them

Seen frequently on ornamental ponds where it was originally brought. Now can be seen on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast holds the highest numbers; also in areas like the Norfolk Broads.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Seeds and grass.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-700 adults3,400 birds-

Distribution

Key

In the UK
Mainly Eastern England

Illustrations

Characteristics

Egyptian goose (adult)

Egyptian goose - adult
  • Size: bigger than mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, orange, grey, cream/buff, green
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

Egyptian goose (juvenile)

Egyptian goose - juvenile
  • Colouring: Juvenile
  • Size: bigger than mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, orange, grey, cream/buff, green
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground