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Egyptian Goose

ID Info
  • Egyptian Goose
  • Egyptian Goose
  • Egyptian Goose  video
Silhouette GeeseGeese
Egyptian GooseAlopochen aegyptiaca
  • ORDER: Anseriformes
  • FAMILY: Anatidae

Basic Description

The Egyptian Goose is an odd waterfowl species, with an unusual color pattern highlighted by a reddish-brown eye mask, dark collar, and irregular breast patch. Despite its name, this bird is more like a large duck than a typical goose. It rests on the ground more than in the water, and it also perches on—and even nests in—trees. A highly adaptable species, Egyptian Goose is very successful in its native Africa, where it sometimes causes damage to crops. Introduced populations have become established in Europe and North America.

More ID Info
image of range map for Egyptian Goose
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Other Names

  • Ganso del Nilo (Spanish)
  • Ouette d'Égypte (French)
  • Cool Facts