Ducks, Geese & Swans in Bristol

12 species matching this filter.

All birds in BristolView family page

Bristol's diverse waterways, from the Avon Gorge and harbour to the wetlands of the Severn Estuary, provide excellent habitat for a variety of ducks, geese and swans. With 12 species recorded in the county, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from familiar Mallards and Mute Swans on urban lakes to wintering Brent Geese and Eurasian Wigeons along the coast. Notable sites such as Chew Valley Lake and the Severn Estuary mudflats attract impressive gatherings of wildfowl throughout the year.

Tufted Duck
Tufted DuckSmallest · 40cm
to
Mute Swan
Mute SwanLargest · 160cm
Ranges from the Tufted Duck (40cm) to the Mute Swan (160cm)5 year-round residents
Brent Goose

Brent Goose

Branta berniclaLC

A rare passage visitor in April, occasionally spotted on the Severn Estuary mudflats during spring migration.

Apr

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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensisLC

An uncommon year-round resident, grazing on playing fields and park lakes across the Bristol area.

Year-round

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

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadornaLC

An uncommon resident, favouring the Severn Estuary mudflats and tidal stretches of the Avon throughout the year.

Year-round

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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelopeLC

An uncommon winter visitor from October to March, favouring the Severn Estuary and nearby wetland sites.

Oct–Mar

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

Gadwall

Mareca streperaLC

A scarce year-round resident, occasionally found on quieter lakes and reservoirs such as Chew Valley and Blagdon.

Year-round

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

Greylag Goose

Anser anserLC

A rare passage visitor recorded in April, with small flocks occasionally overflying the area during spring migration.

Apr

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

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchosLC

The most familiar duck in Bristol, common on the River Avon, Floating Harbour, and park ponds throughout the year.

Year-round

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

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschataLC

A rare and likely feral visitor, occasionally recorded in July; probably an escapee from domestic stock.

Jul

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

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Mute Swan

Mute Swan

Cygnus olorLC

Present year-round on the River Avon, harbour, and park lakes, though less numerous here than in many English cities.

Year-round

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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeataLC

A rare passage visitor in spring and autumn, sometimes stopping on reservoirs and flooded fields near Bristol.

Aug–Mar

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

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchusLC

A rare passage migrant noted between February and June, sometimes seen in skeins passing over the Severn Estuary.

Feb–Jun

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

A rare passage visitor in winter and early spring, occasionally seen on deeper lakes and reservoirs nearby.

Dec–Mar

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

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