Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca
A: Kolgans
Ss: Lefalwa
Z: ilongwe

BIRD FAMILY
Geese and Ducks

SIZE
71cm (VL)

HABITAT
Pairs occupy small waters or sections of rivers, but large numbers often gather on deep waters to moult their wing feathers or on sandbanks when large rivers are in spate. Often flies in the evening to communal grazing grounds. Common even in built-up areas, as long as some open water surfaces are available.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Abundant resident. Distinguished from South African Shelduck by long neck, long pink legs, pink bill and rufous eye-patches. *Immature* is duller. Very noisy in social interactions; male utters a husky wheezing sound, female a harsh, nasal, high-pitched ‘hur-hur-hur-hur’. Both sexes extend the head and neck when calling.