Egyptian Goose: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Ducks, Geese and Swans · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. Despite being called a goose, its closest relatives are thought to be the shelducks, and scientists group it with them.
2. Much of its wing is white, but the white stays hidden at rest. It flashes into view when the bird is alarmed or angry.
3. Male and female sound different. The male's loud, breathy call comes in quick bursts, a bit like a steam engine. The female quacks much more noisily.
4. When nesting, pairs chase intruders of their own kind into the sky for aerial "dogfights". Some have even been seen attacking drones.
5. Its genus name, Alopochen, means "fox-goose" in Greek, a nod to the reddish colour of its back.

The quiz

1. Which birds is the Egyptian goose thought to be most closely related to?

• Swans
• Shelducks (correct)
• Canada geese
• Mallards

Despite its name, it is placed with the shelducks, its closest relatives.

2. When does an Egyptian goose show the white on its wings?

• When it is resting
• Only when it is diving
• When it is alarmed or aggressive (correct)
• Only at night

The white is hidden at rest and shown in alarm or aggression.

3. What does the male's loud call sound a bit like?

• A steam engine (correct)
• A whistle
• A trumpet
• A barking dog

His breathy call, given in quick bursts, sounds somewhat like a steam engine.

4. What do breeding Egyptian geese often do to intruders of their own kind?

• They share their nest with them
• They ignore them
• They hide in tall grass
• They chase them into the air and fight (correct)

They pursue intruders into the air in aerial dogfights, and have even attacked drones.

5. What does the genus name Alopochen mean?

• River goose
• Fox-goose (correct)
• Desert duck
• Sun bird

It means fox-goose, after the ruddy colour of its back.

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