STATUSLeast Concern
COMMON NAME (SCIENTIFIC NAME)Alopochen aegyptiaca
DIETOmnivorous: vegetation, such as the grasses, stems, seeds, berries and leaves of several different kinds of plants. They also occasionally eat insects and small animals.
RANGEAfrica; south of the Sahara to and including South Africa as well as the Nile Valley.
HABITATPrefer almost any wetlands in open areas.
About: Strikingly patterned in light gray/tan and dark gray/brown with a large orangish- colored patch around the eye. Their wings are accented with green and white. The bill and the legs are pink. The female tends to be smaller than the gander (male).
These geese have a dry hollow call that they often use to warn of danger. Males often hiss, while females are known to have a loud cracking honk.
Life Cycle/ Social Structure: Egyptian geese remain in small flocks of family units through the majority of the year, and only pair up during the breeding season. They are mostly sedentary, but will move from their normal range to seek water during periods of drought. They reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Males perform an elaborate and noisy courtship display to woo a prospective female. They usually breed in the spring or at the end of the dry season. Pairs nest alone in a variety of habitats. The female incubates five to 12 yellowish-white eggs for approximately 28-30 days. Young fledge in about 70 days.
Predators: Mainly eagles and baboons, though other small and medium sized predators will opportunistically hunt them.
