Specie's Page                                               Water Fowl - Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Goose:  

UK Status: This bird was introduced to the British Isles as an ornamental species. They have escaped over the years, as a result there are now close to two thousand breeding pairs in the UK. These numbers increase to about five and a half thousand by overwintering birds.

Habitat: This bird feeds on seeds, grass and other soft vegetation. It inhabits areas with open water and short grasses, with suitable nesting sites.

Breeding: Nests are place on small islands in pools and lakes, also in hollow tree trunks, and other undisturbed locations. Nests consist of twigs, roots, grass and leaves, with a lining of downy breast feathers. Sometimes the older nests of other species are utilised. The five to eleven  large and ovular shaped eggs, are off whitish to pale buff in colour, very similar to the smaller domestic chicken eggs.

Comment: Usually to be found from spring to late summer in south east England. Most common in Norfolk, overwintering birds can be found on the south coast of England. They are also found on the Severn estuary, north east Ireland and on the east coast of Scotland around river estuaries.