Egyptian Goose
Alopochenaegyptiacus
Photographed at Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Canada Sep 2011
Egyptian Geese are attractive, but
rather odd-looking birds. They have a pale head and under parts, with dark
eye-patches and pink legs. Distinct white wing-coverts are revealed when in
flight. They are usually 63-73 centimetres long.
Egyptian Geese mate for life. A mated
pair is very protective of their territory and nest, aggressively defending it
against intruders and attacking, when necessary. They nest in a number of
places, but especially like holes in mature trees in parklands. They often
choose to nest in abandoned nests, and have been known to nest on ledges on
cliffs and banks. They are a largely terrestrial species, which will also perch
readily on trees and buildings.
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