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.
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
| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* | | - | 700 adults | 3,400 birds | - |
- In the UK
- Mainly Eastern England