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 24–38 of 38 species
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A common and elegant dabbling duck found on estuaries, marshes and lakes. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from northern Europe.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident duck found on lakes, reservoirs and marshes year-round, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in winter.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Huge wintering flocks gather on farmland and estuaries, especially in Lancashire and Norfolk. Numbers peak from October to March.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Present year-round on lakes and reservoirs, though breeding numbers have declined sharply. Winter flocks are bolstered by Continental immigrants.
Year-round
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollisVU
A rare visitor from Arctic Russia, occasionally wintering among Brent Goose flocks on eastern English coasts from November to spring.
Nov–May
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Found year-round on estuaries and sheltered coasts, with numbers boosted in winter by continental arrivals. Breeds sparingly in northern England.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
An uncommon resident centred on lakes and reservoirs in southeast England. The feral population has become established and is slowly increasing.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
An uncommon resident, now heavily reduced by an eradication programme. Small numbers persist on lakes and reservoirs in the West Midlands.
Year-round
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Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A smart winter visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits, mainly in south-east England. The striking black-and-white males are a highlight of cold-weather birding.
Oct–Apr
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A rare visitor, with most English records likely involving feral or escaped birds. Occasionally seen among wild goose flocks.
Aug–May
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and park ponds across England. Males sport a distinctive drooping head crest in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, with small flocks wintering mainly in Norfolk's Yare Valley. Careful separation from Taiga Bean Goose is required.
Jul–Mar
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Arctic Russia, arriving from October. Favours flooded grasslands and wetlands, notably in the Somerset Levels.
Oct–Mar
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare sea duck found in small numbers off the east and north-east coasts. Often associates with Common Scoter flocks; best spotted by seawatching.
Jun–Apr
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Iceland and Scandinavia, favouring flooded fields and large lakes. Its bugling call distinguishes it from the resident Mute Swan.
Year-round