Ducks, Geese & Swans in Devon

27 species matching this filter.

All birds in DevonView family page

Devon's diverse wetland habitats, from the Exe Estuary to sheltered coastal bays and inland reservoirs, support an impressive 27 species of ducks, geese and swans. The county is a vital wintering ground for species such as Brent Goose and Eurasian Wigeon, while resident birds like Common Shelduck and Canada Goose can be seen year-round. Birders may also encounter less common visitors including Barnacle Goose, Goldeneye and the striking Black Swan.

Long-tailed Duck
Long-tailed DuckSmallest · 37cm
to
Mute Swan
Mute SwanLargest · 160cm
Ranges from the Long-tailed Duck (37cm) to the Mute Swan (160cm)15 year-round residents

Showing 24–27 of 27 species

Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

Winters on Devon's estuaries and sheltered coasts, often seen fishing in small groups on the Exe or Taw-Torridge estuaries.

Oct–Apr

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

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufinaLC

A rare passage visitor in late winter, occasionally appearing on Devon's larger lakes. Origins may be wild or feral.

Feb–Mar

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

An uncommon year-round resident on Devon's lakes and reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter when birds gather on larger water bodies.

Year-round

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

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fuscaVU

A rare winter visitor to Devon's coastal waters. Usually found singly among Common Scoter flocks offshore.

Nov–Jan

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