Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiacus

While birds can make fantastic pets, exotic bird species have the potential to negatively impact our native flora and fauna should they be allowed to escape into the environment.

They have the potential to spread disease, damage agricultural crops, out compete native species and cause damage to natural spaces through over population. The risk of this can be minimised through secure bird keeping practises and reporting wild populations of exotic bird species, such as the Egyptian goose to Agriculture Victoria.

How to identify an Egyptian Goose

The Egyptian Goose is not actually a goose, but a shelduck: a cross between a duck and a goose. It has many characteristics of a duck, but also some external traits of a goose.  They are a large (60-75 cm) bird, grey to brown in colour with pale pink legs and beak. In flight, the wings are white with black primary and secondary feathers.

About the Egyptian Goose

Habitat

This species is native to Africa where it is mainly found in open habitats near a fresh water source. Egyptian geese remain together in small flocks during the year, primarily for protection. During the breeding season they pair up, but otherwise stay with their flocks. They are mostly non-migratory and will generally move about only if water in their area is in short supply.

Behaviour

Egyptian geese are primarily herbivores, feeding on grass, seeds, stems and leaves from various plants, as well as grains, potatoes and other types of vegetables. They also eat worms and insects. They are good swimmers and overnight on or near water but most of their time is spent on land. They often nest in mature trees and are aggressively territorial towards their own species during breeding season.

Distribution

The Egyptian goose is native to Africa. There are introduced populations of Egyptian geese can be found in the UK, mainland Europe, the US, Israel and Mauritius.

Responsible keeping of exotic birds

Egyptian geese are not commonly kept in Victoria. While they can be imported without a permit, breeding pairs are expensive to import. Please adhere to the following guidelines if you choose to keep an exotic bird species;

• Maintain in a secure, double doored enclosure that allows space for natural behaviours such as foraging, perching or nesting,
• Research the dietary needs of the particular species and provide a balanced and varied diet,
• Consult regularly with an avian veterinarian and seek assistance at the first signs of illness or injury,
• Ensure birds are identified with an appropriate band or microchip,
• Do not allow them to escape or intentionally release them into the wild,
• Consider keeping native Australian species as an alternative to exotic species.

If seen in the wild in Victoria, please report the sighting to Agriculture Victoria via our online reporting tool. Or by emailing: highrisk.invasiveanimals@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Pest Risk and Impact

The Egyptian Goose is ranked as an extreme pest risk, due to its generalist nature and high suitability to adapt to the Victorian climate.

If this species was to become established within Victoria, they could potentially impact crop production, as they consume cereal, oilseed and grain crop seedlings in their introduced range overseas. Damage is also caused by large flocks trampling pastures and polluting them via defecation.

In South Africa, Egyptian geese are responsible for defecating in water reservoirs, leading to blooms of algae and bacteria. Outbreaks of avian influenza and paramyxovirus have also been attributed to this species.

Egyptian Geese are very aggressive towards other birds during the breeding season, potentially limiting foraging areas for native waterbirds. Records of Egyptian geese actively drowning other waterbird species have been reported. Hybridisation of Egyptian geese may also occur if they are allowed to breed with native species.

Lookalikes/Similar Native Species

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

A large black and white waterbird with a bulbous lump on top of the head and bright orange legs and feet. Unlikely to be mistaken for an Egyptian goose however, in flight, the white underside of the wings with black edge feathers may look similar.