Duck-Duck-Goose

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be . . . an Egyptian Goose!

Alopochen aegyptiaca is large waterbird common across Africa (and found as an invasive in more than a few British gardens). It is a member of shelduck sub-family, Tadorninae, and not a true goose at all.

Its build is stocky. Its flight is awkward. Its plumage is colorful: brown, red, and white. It looks sneaky with a "bandit mask" around its eyes.

On safari, we often spot the quackers around water-holes, either on the ground or roosting in trees.

Spot an Egyptian goose for yourself! Join us in Africa in 2026.

Goosy tree

Duck. Duck. Goose.

The "Egyptian Goose" (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is actually a member of the duck family. It walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and perches in trees like a duck.

It will attack you like a goose, however, so look out! They are very territorial.

This duck-duck-goose is pictured in ancient Egyptian art, hence the name.