What to Know About the Egyptian Goose in Uganda?

The Egyptian goose in Uganda is one of the African birds of Uganda seen during Uganda birding safaris & Tours. It is affiliated to the duck, goose and Anatidae family, Kingdom-Animalia, Phylum-Chordata, Clave-Aves, species A. aegyptia and order-Anseriformes.

The Egyptian goose was a very popular bird to the ancient Egyptians who considered it as a bleed bird and the would put it in most of their artwork and they could even domesticate them.

It is quite a large bird with the length between 71-73cm, wingspan is about 135-155cm while the weight of a mature Egyptian goose ranges between 1500-2250g.

The Egyptian bird is such a strong bird which can live up to 25 years.

Scientifically known as Alopochen aegyptiaca, the Egyptian Goose is widely distributed throughout its native range, Africa, and southern Europe. It is especially common in southern Africa, below the Sahara and in the Nile Valley. In the 18th century, Alopochen aegyptiaca was introduced into Great Britain, and a substantial population still thrives there today. Currently Alopochen aegyptiaca is colonizing the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Physical description, behavior and Habitat of the Egyptian Goose

Egyptian geese will not populate densely wooded areas, though they can be found in meadows, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Most of their time is spent in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. This bird species  can be found as high as 4000 meters above sea level.

Egyptian geese have long necks, long pink legs, a pink bill and brown eye patches encircling each eye. They are distinguished from closely related species by a brown patch in the middle of the chest. The upper wings and the head are brown, while the rest of the body is light brown. The underside of the wings is white and green. Juveniles do not have the brown eye patches or a patch on the chest.

Egyptian geese are anywhere from 63 to 73 cm in height and they can weigh from 1.5 to 2.3 kg. The wingspan is fairly large, measuring 38 cm, on average.

Distinguishing between males and females can be a challenge. The females are smaller than the males, but otherwise both sexes look alike. One way to tell them apart is by their sound. Males make a raspy hiss, while females produce a cackling sound. Although they are not terribly vocal, when they are feeling aggressive or stressed they will make a great deal of noise.

Breeding and Reproduction process of the Egyptian goose

During the breeding period, the male bird species is quite aggressive when mating. Each male performs a noisy and elaborate courtship display, emitting unusually loud honking noises. Under normal circumstances, Egyptian geese are reserved, quiet animals, but during mating season they are just the opposite. A male will act in this manner in order to attract a female. Since Egyptian geese are monogamous, one male and one female nest alone in dense vegetation, holes, or simply on the ground.

The male goose fertilizes the female internally. Five to twelve eggs are laid, and they are incubated for 28 to 30 days. The young fledge in 70 days.

Incubation lasts from 28 to 30 days and is done by both parents. The father protects the eggs and chicks, while the mother guides them and keeps them close to her. The chicks are precocial.