Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus
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(feet)The Egyptian Goose is a member of the shelduck subfamily. They are found throughout Africa where conditions are favorable. For example, the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. Populations also exist in other places such as Great Britain, Germany and the United States. Some of these populations are probably escapees. For example, I have seen a Egyptian Goose for several years at Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA.
Egyptian Geese have a pale gray body, and their wings are brown, gray and white. The white feathers are only visible when the duck is flying. A distinctive field marker is the dark brown patches around the eyes. The sexes are similar but the male is slightly larger.
The Egyptian Goose was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians and appears in their artwork.
02/22/2012 - Phoenix Zoo, AZ
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12/03/2007 - Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
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02/04/2008 - Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
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02/04/2008 - Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
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Diet: Egyptian Geese eat grass, seeds, leaves, worms and insects.
Courtship: The males perform an elaborate display and make many noises to attract females. They breed in the spring or at the end of the dry season. Egyptian Geese have strong pair bonds.
Egyptian Geese are aggressive, especially during breeding season.
Nesting: The nests are made from plants and lined with down feathers and are located near water. 5-12 eggs are laid. The chicks are precocial, which means they have are somewhat mature and mobile at birth.
Habitat and Range: They are found through Africa, except in deserts and heavily wooded areas. They have also been imported to many other places including the U.S. and Europe. Some populations are the result of escapees from zoos or private collections.
Vocalization: The males have a hissing sound while the female have a cackling sound.
Plumage/Molt Egyptian Geese do not have an alternate plumage.
Migration: None migratory.
Tongue/feet: The feet and legs are pinkish.
Bibliography:
- http://en.wikipedia.org The Free Encyclopedia, Accessed June 2012
- http://www.zoo.org Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA, Accessed June 2012