Ducks, Geese & Swans in Dorset
29 species matching this filter.
Dorset's diverse wetland habitats, from the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour and the Fleet lagoon to the River Stour's water meadows, make it an outstanding county for ducks, geese and swans. With 29 species recorded, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from wintering flocks of Brent Goose and Eurasian Wigeon to resident Common Shelduck and introduced species such as Egyptian Goose and Black Swan. The county's coastal estuaries and freshwater lakes provide vital feeding and roosting grounds throughout the year.
Showing 1–23 of 29 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor in late autumn and winter. Small numbers occasionally appear on coastal marshes, sometimes alongside Brent Geese.
Nov–Jan
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and irregular visitor, likely of captive origin. Occasionally recorded on lakes and harbours in scattered months through the year.
May–Nov
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An uncommon resident favouring Poole Harbour's sheltered mudflats and eelgrass beds. Numbers peak in winter with dark-bellied birds from Siberia.
Aug–May
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident found year-round on lakes, rivers and parkland throughout the county. Often seen in large flocks on Poole Harbour margins.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare winter visitor to Dorset's rivers and lakes, occasionally seen on the Stour or Frome between October and March.
Oct–Mar
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Scarce year-round off the Dorset coast, often seen as distant dark rafts on the sea from Portland Bill and Durlston.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident of estuaries and coastal mudflats, especially Poole Harbour and the Fleet. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident found year-round near lakes and rivers. This naturalised species breeds in tree holes near water.
Year-round
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Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A rare non-breeding visitor in winter, occasionally seen on sheltered coastal waters around Poole Harbour and Portland. Mainly a northern breeder.
Nov–Feb
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
A common non-breeding visitor from August to April, forming large flocks on coastal marshes and flooded grassland around Poole Harbour.
Aug–Apr
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring lakes and marshes with abundant vegetation. Often found at Radipole Lake and other managed wetlands.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare spring passage migrant from March to May, visiting shallow wetlands and marshes. One of the few summer-visiting ducks in Britain.
Mar–May
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor found on freshwater lakes and reservoirs, with Poole Harbour and Radipole Lake among favoured sites.
Nov–Mar
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from October to February, occasionally found among Tufted Duck flocks on sheltered coastal waters and lakes.
Oct–Feb
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor appearing in January and December, sometimes joining other goose flocks on coastal grazing marshes and flood meadows.
Dec–Jan
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon resident found year-round on lakes, water meadows and coastal marshes. Feral populations mix with occasional wild migrants in winter.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to Dorset's coastal waters, occasionally seen in Poole Harbour or off Portland during harsh weather.
Nov–Mar
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and familiar resident found year-round on virtually any freshwater habitat, from town park ponds to coastal marshes and rivers.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to wooded lakes and rivers, mainly in winter and spring. This striking duck favours sheltered, tree-lined waterways.
Dec–May
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common and elegant resident on rivers, lakes and coastal lagoons throughout Dorset. Breeds on the Frome and Stour river systems.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor from autumn to spring, favouring estuarine mudflats and flooded fields. Small groups winter around Poole Harbour.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident on shallow wetlands and marshes. Numbers increase in winter at sites like Lodmoor and Radipole Lake RSPB reserves.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and gravel pits, though nationally declining. Winter numbers are boosted by continental immigrants.
Year-round