Egyptian Goose

Physical Description

Egyptian geese average 25-29 inches in height, and they can weigh from 3-5 lbs. Their average wingspan is 15 inches. Egyptian geese have long necks, long pink legs, a pink bill, black tails, and brown eye patches encircling each eye.

Predators

Some predators they may face include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and vultures.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 15 years, but in human care they have been known to live up to 35 years.

Reproduction

Males are aggressive during the mating season and will perform elaborate and noisy courtship displays. They are primarily monogamous, and a mated pair will nest alone in dense vegetation, holes, or simply on the ground. About 5-12 eggs will be laid and then will be incubated for 28-30 days. Fledging occurs about 70 days after hatching.

Fun Facts

• Because the males and females are so close in size, the best way to determine their gender is by listening to their vocalizations. Males will make more of a whistle sound, while females will have more of a cackle.
• Egyptian Geese usually settle in one pond, lake, stream or river for their entire lives, unless predators become too abundant or drought occurs.

Conservation Messaging

Here at our duck pond, we welcome all species of native migratory birds. You can see different species of ducks and waterfowl as they migrate with the seasons. Our resident waterfowl have learned to coexist and share their habitat with these birds because they serve them a purpose. As with most birds, these migratory species are excellent at seed dispersal allowing a diverse plant community to form within their habitat as well as many other habitats.