The Egyptian Goose is a striking and somewhat exotic-looking bird that has become increasingly familiar in the UK. Originally from Africa, this species has successfully established itself in various parts of the country, particularly in parklands and near water bodies. Known for its bold appearance and distinctive markings, the Egyptian Goose is a captivating addition to the UK’s birdlife.

How to Identify an Egyptian Goose:

• Head: The head is pale with a dark brown eye patch and a reddish-pink beak.
• Body: The body is a mix of brown, buff, and grey, with a distinctive chestnut patch on the chest. The upper wings show a striking white patch in flight.
• Beak: The beak is reddish-pink with a black tip.
• Wings: Upper wings are marked with a prominent white patch, visible both in flight and at rest.
• Legs: The legs are pinkish-red.

Description and Statistics:

• Size: 63-73cm in length.
• Wingspan: 134-154cm.
• Weight: 1.5-2.3kg.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females are similar in appearance, with males typically being slightly larger. Both sexes share the same distinctive plumage.

Breeding, Nesting and Rearing Habits:

• Egyptian Geese form monogamous pairs that often stay together for several breeding seasons.
• Nests are usually constructed on the ground near water, but can also be found in tree holes, cliffs, or even on buildings.
• The female lays a clutch of 5-12 eggs, which she incubates for about 28-30 days.
• Goslings are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching to follow their parents and begin feeding.

The Egyptian Goose in the UK:

The Egyptian Goose is a non-native species in the UK, originally introduced as an ornamental bird in the 17th century. Over time, escapes from captivity led to the establishment of a wild population. Their adaptability to a variety of habitats, including urban parks and rural wetlands, has enabled them to spread and thrive across the UK, particularly in the south and east of England.

Sources:

• The RSPB: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/egyptian-goose/
• The British Trust for Ornithology: https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/egyptian-goose