Ducks, Geese & Swans in England
38 species matching this filter.
England is home to 38 species of ducks, geese and swans, found across a rich variety of wetland habitats including lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and coastal marshes. From the elegant Mute Swan gracing the Thames to the striking Mandarin Duck in woodland ponds and the increasingly widespread Egyptian Goose, England's waterways support both native and naturalised species throughout the year. Winter months bring an influx of migratory wildfowl such as the Goldeneye and Common Merganser, making this an exciting group to observe across all seasons.
Showing 1–23 of 38 species
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicusLC
A rare visitor, most likely an escapee from wildfowl collections. Occasionally seen on lakes and reservoirs, mainly in spring and summer.
Jan–Aug
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A common resident, with feral populations in parks and wetlands supplemented by large winter flocks from Arctic breeding grounds, notably in the north-west.
Year-round
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
An introduced species found rarely on lakes and rivers. Small feral populations persist in scattered locations across England.
Year-round
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Large winter flocks gather on estuaries and coastal marshes, especially along the south and east coasts. Dark-bellied birds from Siberia predominate in England.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common and widespread introduced resident of lakes, rivers, and parks. Large flocks gather on urban and rural waterways alike.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A striking diving duck found on rivers and lakes, often known locally as the Goosander. Males sport a dark green head and salmon-pink body in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
An uncommon year-round resident of coastal waters, often seen in dark rafts offshore. Breeds sparingly; numbers increase in winter with Continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common and distinctive resident of estuaries and coastal marshes, often seen in large flocks. Breeds in burrows and undergoes a moult migration.
Year-round
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Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An established non-native resident, originally from Africa, now breeding widely across England. Commonly seen on park lakes and grassy riverbanks, often with large broods.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A year-round resident along northern and eastern coasts, favouring rocky shores and sheltered estuaries. Males sport striking black-and-white plumage.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Common year-round, with large winter flocks on estuaries and flooded grasslands. The male's whistling call is a characteristic sound of English wetlands in winter.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits. Numbers have increased steadily, particularly across central and southern England.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
An uncommon summer breeder on lowland marshes and flooded meadows, mainly in southeast England. Arrives in March and departs by October.
Mar–Oct
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
Found year-round on lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered coasts, with numbers peaking in winter. Males display a distinctive white face patch and golden eye.
Year-round
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
An uncommon diving duck found mainly on coastal waters, estuaries and large reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from northern breeding grounds.
Jul–May
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
Winters in small numbers at traditional sites such as the Severn Estuary and Kent marshes. Grazes on wet grasslands alongside other wintering geese.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common resident found on lakes, reservoirs, and farmland year-round. Feral populations are well established alongside wintering birds from Iceland.
Year-round
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatusLC
A rare North American vagrant; English records are debated as some may involve escapes. Occasionally found on lakes and reservoirs in winter.
Dec–May
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
An uncommon winter visitor to coastal waters and offshore areas, arriving from Arctic breeding grounds. Most regularly seen off the east coast.
Sep–Apr
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most familiar and widespread duck in England, common year-round on virtually any body of water from urban park ponds to rural lakes.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but established resident of wooded lakes and rivers. Originally from East Asia, feral populations thrive in southern England.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare resident of feral origin, found on park lakes and farmyards. Not native to England but small free-flying populations persist in scattered locations.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An elegant and familiar sight on rivers, lakes, and park ponds throughout England. Pairs defend territories aggressively, arching their wings in a distinctive threat display.
Year-round