Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca
Despite their name, they are technically shelducks—a group that shares characteristics of both ducks and geese.
- Scientific name
- Alopochen aegyptiaca
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Anseriformes › Anatidae › Alopochen
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Open landscapes near water bodies, including lakes, rivers, dams, and increasingly urban parks or golf courses.
- Diet
- Herbivorous, primarily grazing on grasses, seeds, and leaves, though it occasionally eats small invertebrates.
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, Nile Valley, United Kingdom, Netherlands, United States
- Size
- 63-73 cm length; wingspan of 134-154 cm
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Pollution of waterways and localized hunting, though the species is highly adaptable and expanding its range.
- Safe to approach?
- Generally harmless but highly defensive during nesting. Maintain a 5-meter distance. If the bird hisses or flaps its wings aggressively, back away slowly. Avoid feeding them bread as it is nutritionally poor for waterfowl.
The Egyptian goose ( Alopochen aegyptiaca ) is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae. It is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley.
Photo: Alex Press, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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