The Egyptian Goose, to borrow a famous phrase, is a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” This chunky and exotic bird is making its way into the hearts of Grand Harbor residents despite being a clear non-native intruder. Even the unenthusiastic among us have to admire its pluck and resilience as well as its colorful garb.

They made an early and indelible mark in Egyptian culture. Historians don’t know why, but these birds were viewed as sacred. Many were held in private aviaries and were buried with their sponsors. Countless markings on pyramid walls and gravesites bear the unmistakable likeness of this feisty goose.

The first Egyptian Geese to leave the Nile valley and sub-Saharan Africa came as caged trophies on explorers’ ships returning to England. They were prized for their crazy look and their all-day energy when on display. When they inevitably escaped British museums and mansions, they set up nests and their colonies multiplied. By the 1870s there were feral populations in East Anglia and soon in the Netherlands and northern Germany. Their quest was just beginning . . . and has not ended.

Today, this small goose counts more than 50 countries as its home outside Africa (where it is common and widespread). From western Europe to China and to many parts between, the species has spread its wings. Colonies now thriving in Florida, Texas and California owe their beginnings to immigrants from the Caribbean area. Hurricanes of 2004 and 05 gave small flocks a westerly lift to our shores.

In full disclosure, I can report sighting Egyptian Geese on golf courses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They are unerring in their search for small lakes surrounded by grassy meadows. They always spur questions such as, “What is that bird I saw? Sort of a mallard with dark glasses . . .  loud . . . big white patch when it flies . . .???”

 

Their aggressive territorial habits are actually deterring Canada Geese from proliferating. To most golfers and park-goers, that’s an upgrade. With up to 29” length and a wingspan of 58 inches, the birds are hard to miss.  But, all reports are that these geese live in harmony with smaller ducks and are known to hybridize with mallards.

Ducks are generally divided into two groups: divers and dabblers. The Egyptian Goose is neither. They are great swimmers, but do not feed in the water. Instead, they graze on land adjacent to ponds – feeding on seeds, grasses, leaves and other vegetation.

Males and females look alike, with females slightly smaller and juveniles paler. There can be no mistaking their splotchy appearance. Upper plumage varies from reddish to grey-brown, shading lighter on flanks and undersides. The breast shows a chocolate patch. Their wings have black outer feathers with shiny green sections. The prominent eye-ring is orange to black; legs and feet are pink, turning redder when breeding.

Somewhat clumsy in flight, these birds do resemble ducks except for their heavier builds. There is no goose-like aerodynamic “V” as the flock moves across the skies. It can be surprising to look up and find a large bird perching on a tree limb or even a building corner. That could be you-know-who.

Egyptian Geese mate for life and live to 15 or more years in the wild. Most breeding occurs in the spring. Nesting sites vary, but most often are found in the cavities of large trees. Breeding is fiercely territorial and many mid-air conflicts take place. Both parents tend the brood which consists of 5-12 chicks.

Birders have observed that males are generally quiet but do issue hoarse frightful calls when alarmed. Females tend to be noisier and their raucous quack can be heard frequently – and incessantly when protecting the young. (Vaguely anthropomorphic?)

In Florida and other warm climes, the Egyptian Geese are year-round. Northern relatives will migrate in late autumn to find unfrozen ponds and bays.