EGYPTIAN GOOSE FACTS
DISTRIBUTION: Occurs naturally across sub-Saharan Africa and the
Nile Valley. There are also selfsustaining populations resulting from introductions and escapes in parts of Europe as well as some American states and New Zealand.
UK DISTRIBUTION: Resident populations exist mainly in East
Anglia and locations along the river
Thames, though they may be encountered elsewhere in the
Midlands and southern England.
IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least
Concern; abundant across much of its range.
HABITAT: Prefers locations offering open water and adjacent short grassland with suitable nesting sites available. May disperse more widely during the winter.
FOOD: Feeds on seeds, grasses, leaves and plant stems. Will also take invertebrates such as worms. Goslings feed on small aquatic invertebrates for their first few weeks of life until they are old enough to graze.
BREEDING: Pairs form during the spring after elaborate mating displays, and partnerships usually last for life. Can become fiercely territorial during the breeding season; neighbouring pairs may even kill the offspring of others. The incubation of eggs and the subsequent rearing of chicks is shared by both parents.
NESTING: Nests can be built on the ground, in hollows such as tree cavities, on ledges or even in the abandoned nests of other birds such as buzzards. They are constructed from vegetation and feathers and sited close to water and grazing sites. CLUTCH SIZE: Five to 12 eggs. INCUBATION TIME: 28 to 30 days. LENGTH (AVERAGE): 63cm-73cm, females slightly smaller than males. WINGSPAN (AVERAGE): 110cm-130cm.
WEIGHT (AVERAGE): 1.5kg-2.3kg.
LIFESPAN (AVERAGE): Up to 14 years recorded in captivity.
SHOOTING SEASONS: May be killed or taken in England under the terms of GL40 and GL42.
The entire site is designed to be completely accessible. Wheelchair access is possible to all stands and facilities.
Despite its location only 10 miles northwest of Birmingham, Lea Marston Shooting Ground, with its fishing lakes, manicured shooting stands and gorgeous Georgian guest house feels worlds away from the heart of England’s second city.