Ducks, Geese & Swans in United Kingdom
38 species matching this filter.
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.
Showing 24–38 of 38 species
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
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
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
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
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
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
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
An uncommon resident, with a growing feral population centred on southern English gravel pits and reservoirs.
Year-round
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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