Ducks, Geese & Swans in United Kingdom

42 species matching this filter.

All birds in United KingdomView family page

The United Kingdom is home to 38 species of ducks, geese and swans, found across a rich variety of wetland habitats including estuaries, reservoirs, highland lochs and urban park lakes. From the elegant Mute Swan gracing rivers and canals to the striking Mandarin Duck tucked away in woodland ponds, these waterfowl are among the most visible and beloved of British birds. Notable species also include the Greylag Goose, the ancestor of most domestic geese, and the increasingly established Egyptian Goose, which has spread rapidly across England in recent decades.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)32 year-round residents

Showing 24–42 of 42 species

Mute Swan

Mute Swan

Cygnus olorLC

An elegant and familiar resident of lakes, rivers and urban parks across the UK. Pairs defend territories vigorously and are a much-loved sight year-round.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

Anas acutaLC

A common and elegant dabbling duck found on estuaries and wetlands. Winter numbers are boosted by large influxes from the continent.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeataLC

Present year-round on lakes, reservoirs, and marshes, with numbers boosted in winter by Continental migrants. Easily identified by its large spatulate bill used for filter-feeding.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchusLC

Huge wintering flocks arrive from Iceland and Greenland, gathering on farmland and estuaries mainly in Scotland and eastern England from autumn to spring.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Pochard

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

Found year-round on lakes and reservoirs, though the breeding population is small and declining. Winter numbers are boosted by Continental arrivals.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-breasted Goose

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollisVU

A rare passage visitor, occasionally wintering among flocks of Brent or Barnacle Geese on eastern coasts. Most records fall between November and spring.

Nov–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

Breeds on rivers and lochs in Scotland and Ireland, moving to sheltered coasts in winter. Often seen in small groups on estuaries.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-crested Pochard

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufinaLC

An uncommon resident, with a growing feral population centred on southern English gravel pits and reservoirs.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Ross's Goose

Ross's Goose

Anser rossiiLC

A rare visitor from North America, occasionally turning up among flocks of wintering geese. Most records come from Scotland and eastern England.

Aug–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensisLC

An uncommon introduced resident, now heavily controlled due to threats to native White-headed Ducks. Numbers have declined sharply.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ruddy Shelduck

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferrugineaLC

A rare visitor, with sightings often debated as possible escapes from wildfowl collections. Most records occur in southern and eastern England.

Feb–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smew

Smew

Mergellus albellusLC

A striking winter visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits, mainly in south-east England. The drake's crisp white plumage and dark mask are unmistakable.

Oct–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Snow Goose

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescensLC

A rare visitor, with genuine wild birds occasionally arriving with Pink-footed Goose flocks. Many UK sightings involve feral or escaped individuals.

Aug–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Surf Scoter

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillataLC

A rare Nearctic sea duck, occasionally wintering off Scottish and Irish coasts, often associating with flocks of Common or Velvet Scoters.

Nov–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

A familiar diving duck on lakes, reservoirs and park ponds year-round. Males sport a distinctive drooping head crest and striking black-and-white plumage.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tundra Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

Anser serrirostrisLC

A rare winter visitor, with small flocks favouring arable fields and marshes mainly in eastern England and Scotland. The Yare Valley in Norfolk is a key site.

Jul–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianusLC

An uncommon winter visitor from Arctic Russia, arriving October–March. Key sites include the Ouse Washes and Severn Estuary.

Oct–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Velvet Scoter

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fuscaVU

A rare sea duck present year-round in small numbers, mainly off the coasts of Scotland and north-east England. Often found among flocks of Common Scoter.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

An uncommon winter visitor from Iceland, gathering on traditional sites such as the Ouse Washes and Scottish lochs. A few pairs breed in northern Scotland.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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