Egyptian Goose

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Egyptian Goose in the UK

Egyptian Goose is an introduced species, native to Africa. It was brought to England as an ornamental bird in the 17th century and stayed scarce and local for a very long time. It is in Category C of the British List as an established introduction. Growth in recent decades has been steep: the breeding index rose about twentyfold between 1995 and 2024. The UK now holds an estimated 1,850 pairs and around 5,600 birds in winter. The strongholds are East Anglia and Greater London with the neighbouring counties, and there are scattered records well beyond, mostly in winter.

Where and when to see an Egyptian Goose

Easy in north Norfolk at Holkham Park and around the Broads, and in London at Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Thames Valley gravel pits and reservoirs hold flocks in late summer. Present all year and not shy. Pairs are on territory from midwinter and broods can appear very early in the year, so check lakes that have old trees nearby. Birds graze on short grass beside the water and often stand on roofs, large tree limbs and nest platforms.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Parkland lakes, rivers.
Diet: Grass, seeds.
Field note: Spread fast from Norfolk parks.

How to identify an Egyptian Goose

Between a Shelduck and a Greylag Goose in size, long-legged and upright. The body is pale buff-grey with a browner back, a dark chocolate patch round the eye, a dark blotch on the lower breast and a thin dark collar. The bill and legs are pink. In flight the wings give it away: a large white forewing patch above and below, black primaries and a green speculum. The sexes look alike. Juveniles are duller and lack the eye and breast patches. It is more closely related to the shelducks than to true geese.

Call and song

Noisy when paired. Females give a loud, harsh, braying cackle. Males make a husky, wheezing hiss, like air escaping. In display both birds call with their wings spread. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Common Shelduck: Shelduck is white-bodied with a dark green head, red bill and chestnut breast band.
• Ruddy Shelduck: Ruddy Shelduck has the same white forewing in flight but is orange all over with a pale head and black bill and legs.
• Greylag Goose: Greylag is bulkier and grey-brown with an orange bill, and has a pale grey forewing, not a white one.

Related guide UK garden birds.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Egyptian Goose is an Uncommon tier bird, worth +3 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Great CormorantCommon · Coast
• Grey HeronCommon · Lakes
• Mute SwanCommon · Lakes
• Common GoldeneyeUncommon · Lakes
• Common PochardUncommon · Reservoirs
• GoosanderUncommon · Upland rivers

Egyptian Goose: quick answers

Where can I see an Egyptian Goose in the UK?

On park lakes, gravel pits and slow rivers in Norfolk, Suffolk, London and the Thames Valley, where it is now an everyday bird. Pairs are spreading into neighbouring counties each year. Away from the south and east it is still unusual.

What does an Egyptian Goose eat?

Grass, leaves, seeds and grain. It grazes on lawns and pasture like a goose and also dabbles in shallow water. In parks it readily takes bread and grain from visitors.

What habitat does Egyptian Goose live in?

Lowland fresh water with short grass and mature trees close by. It nests in tree holes, on pollards, in old crow or raptor nests and sometimes on buildings, often well above the ground. Ducklings jump down soon after hatching and are led to water.

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