Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Other references:
B38

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B95, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2, B139
D1, D8

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Earthkind
• The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

• Waterfowl Management Guidelines
• Proceedings of the Waterfowl Information Network Conference 1999
• Wetlands, Industry and Wildlife
• London Waterfowl Project FAQ's
• The Electronic Library: further reading for "Wildlife: Oil Spill Response"

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Geese
• Sheldgeese

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Aggressive Birds (Category 2.) (D1)
• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Sheldgeese are generally hardy, and mostly aggressive particularly in the breeding season, so that pairs require a separate pen. A pen for a pair of these birds may be 80% grazing land to 20% water, with a minimum size of 200 square metres for the smaller species (e.g. Orinoco goose) and 300 square metres for the larger species.
• Grazing birds, their grass (sward of less than 3 inches 7.5cm preferred) should be supplemented with wheat and pellets outside the breeding season and breeders pellets before and during the breeding season. Additional green food should be provided when there is insufficient grass.
• Sheltered nest sites may be needed for species which nest early in the year. Ground-level nest boxes, open to the ground, 20x16x16 inches (50x40x40cm), with a ground level entrance hole and containing e.g. dry grass as nesting material.

(B7, B29, B40 B95, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Egyptian geese are winter-hardy. These sheldgeese are territorial and aggressive, particularly when nesting, attacking even large geese and swans: a separate enclosure is suggested and these birds are definately not suitable for a mixed collection in a small enclosure. Good grazing, plus green food, pellets, grain and bread suggested for feeding.
• Easy to breed, parent incubation and rearing recommended, although broodies and fostering under domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus - Domestic duck) has also been successful. Normally one clutch will be laid and reared; a second clutch of eggs may be laid if the fist clutch is lost. May nest on the ground in close or more open cover (e.g. under bushes), or use a hollow log, drainpipe, box, kennel or wigwam. Usually lay eggs March to June. Goslings may be fed grass, duckweed and starter crumbs; very high protein starter pellets should be avoided and grazing encouraged to reduce the risk of Angel Wing.
• Hybridisation common; fertile hybrids reported with Tadorna species, Neochen jubata - Orinoco goose and Cyanochen cyanopterus - Blue-winged goose, sterile hybrids with Anser spp. including Anser anser - Greylag goose, Branta spp. and Chloephaga spp.. Hybrids also reported with Cairina moschata - Muscovy duck , sheldgeese, Plectropterus gambensis - Spur-winged goose, Chenonetta jubata - Maned duck.

(J23.13.w7, B29, B30, B31, B94, B95, B97, B128.w2, B139, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: N 13.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

• Accommodation of Casualty Waterfowl
• Rearing of Birds - Artificial Rearing - Waterfowl considerations
• Catching and Handling of Waterfowl
• Feeding of Casualty Waterfowl
• Release of Casualty Waterfowl
• See also: Oil Spill: Species Identification and Special Considerations

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Upperparts generally darker brown. Scapulars brownish, tail and rump black. Wing has white upper wing coverts with thin black line across, chestnut tertials, metallic green secondaries (speculum), black primaries.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Remain with parents for several weeks or months after fledging.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

• Africa south of Sahara, and the Nile valley.

• Mainly sedentary, some movements depending on water availability

• Occasionally migrates north of Sahara to winter in Algeria and Tunisia.

• Occasionally seen in Europe.

Small feral populations in Britain and the Netherlands (B38).

London: In the London Area, "increasing feral breeding resident." (J322.65.w1)

Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not considered threatened. Widespread and abundant (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade