Ducks, Geese & Swans in Derbyshire
25 species matching this filter.
Derbyshire's diverse waterways, reservoirs and wetlands provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of ducks, geese and swans, with 25 species recorded across the county. From the upland reservoirs of the Peak District to the lowland lakes and gravel pits of the Trent Valley, birders can enjoy sightings of resident species such as Canada Goose and Greylag Goose alongside winter visitors like Eurasian Wigeon, Goldeneye and Greater White-fronted Goose. Notable species such as Common Merganser, Common Shelduck and the increasingly established Egyptian Goose add further interest throughout the year.
Showing 1–23 of 25 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, likely of feral origin. Small numbers frequent parkland lakes and reservoirs throughout much of the year.
Dec–Aug
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident breeding on lakes, reservoirs and rivers across the county. Large moulting flocks gather in late summer.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon resident found year-round on the county's rivers and reservoirs. Known locally as Goosander, often seen on the Derwent and Dove.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare passage visitor to Derbyshire's larger reservoirs in spring and late summer, this sea duck is always a notable inland record.
Mar–Aug
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A rare resident, thinly spread on reservoirs and gravel pits. More typically coastal, it breeds sparingly inland in the county.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
A rare but increasing feral resident, found year-round on parkland lakes and gravel pits across lowland Derbyshire.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon resident with numbers boosted in winter. Flocks graze flooded pastures and gather on larger reservoirs.
Jul–May
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, breeding at gravel pits and reservoirs. Favours well-vegetated lowland waterbodies.
Year-round
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Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally stopping at lowland pools and reservoir margins in late summer on southward migration.
Aug
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to reservoirs and larger lakes, present mainly from autumn to spring. Males are striking with their glossy green heads.
Jul–May
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally joining diving duck flocks on larger reservoirs in late autumn and winter.
Nov–Jan
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare spring passage visitor, occasionally dropping in to graze flooded fields or reservoir margins during March.
Mar
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon resident found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and riverside meadows. Feral populations breed alongside truly wild birds.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and widespread resident found on virtually any waterbody, from upland streams to urban park ponds.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but established resident, favouring wooded rivers and lakes. Often secretive, nesting in tree holes near water.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare visitor of captive origin, occasionally recorded on park lakes and waterways in December.
Dec
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common resident gracing canals, rivers and park lakes throughout Derbyshire. Breeds widely and is present all year.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and flooded fields, mainly between autumn and early spring.
Sep–Mar
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident found on shallow, muddy-edged pools and reservoirs. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
An uncommon winter visitor, with skeins sometimes heard overhead. Flocks graze farmland and gather at larger reservoirs.
Sep–Apr
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon and declining resident, breeding sparingly on lowland pools. Winter numbers are bolstered by continental birds.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor of uncertain origin, occasionally appearing on larger reservoirs and gravel pits in winter.
Sep–Mar
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, occasionally appearing on Derbyshire reservoirs in January and February during cold spells from the continent.
Jan–Feb