Ducks, Geese & Swans in Buckinghamshire
19 species matching this filter.
Buckinghamshire is home to a wonderful variety of ducks, geese and swans, with 19 species recorded across the county. The River Thames, the Grand Union Canal, and numerous lakes and reservoirs — including those in the Colne Valley and around the Chilterns — provide vital wetland habitats for both resident and migratory waterfowl. Notable species include the striking Egyptian Goose, the elegant Garganey which visits in summer, and the ever-present Canada Goose, alongside less common visitors such as the Common Scoter and Barnacle Goose.
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, with occasional September records likely involving feral or wandering birds rather than true wild migrants.
Sep
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare visitor, likely an escapee from ornamental collections. Occasionally recorded on larger lakes in autumn.
Sep–Nov
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits across the county. Often seen grazing on playing fields and parkland.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon winter visitor to rivers and reservoirs from November to April. Most often seen on the Thames and larger gravel pits.
Nov–Apr
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare November passage visitor, occasionally turning up on larger reservoirs. This sea duck is scarce inland.
Nov
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A rare resident, unusual this far inland. Small numbers occur on larger water bodies, with a gap in records during autumn.
Dec–Aug
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, part of the expanding feral population in southern England. Nests near lakes and gravel pits.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon winter visitor to flooded meadows and reservoirs. Present from autumn to early spring, often in small flocks.
Sep–Apr
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Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon resident found on lakes and gravel pits throughout the year. Numbers have increased at key wetland sites.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant recorded in late summer. Look for this scarce duck on shallow pools and reservoir margins in August–September.
Aug–Sep
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A rare winter visitor from November to April, found on larger reservoirs and gravel pits. Numbers are typically very small.
Nov–Apr
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon year-round resident, with feral populations established on gravel pits and reservoirs. Numbers bolstered by wild birds in winter.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common resident on rivers, lakes, ponds, and park lakes across the county. Breeds widely in varied wetland habitats.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A scarce resident favouring wooded rivers and lakes with overhanging trees. The Chilterns beechwoods provide ideal nesting cavities.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on the Thames and its tributaries year-round. Breeds on rivers, lakes and canals throughout the county.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits. Small numbers appear from September, with most records in the coldest months.
Sep–Feb
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident found on shallow lakes and reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter when continental birds supplement the local population.
Aug–Jun
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on deeper lakes and reservoirs. A nationally declining species, making Buckinghamshire records increasingly valuable.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon year-round resident, favouring deeper lakes and gravel pits. Diving flocks are a familiar sight at larger waters.
Year-round