Ducks, Geese & Swans in Durham
26 species matching this filter.
Durham's diverse wetland habitats, from the reservoirs and rivers of the Pennine uplands to the coastal mudflats and estuaries near the North Sea, support an impressive variety of ducks, geese and swans. With 26 recorded species in this family, the county offers excellent opportunities to observe both resident breeders such as Canada Goose and Greylag Goose, as well as winter visitors including Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose and Goldeneye. Notable sites such as the WWT Washington Wetland Centre and the lower Tees estuary are particularly rewarding for waterfowl enthusiasts.
Showing 1–23 of 26 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare passage visitor recorded in February and October. Most sightings likely involve wild birds from the Svalbard population.
Oct–Feb
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen along the Durham coast between September and November.
Sep–Nov
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
An uncommon but well-established resident on lakes, rivers and park ponds throughout the county year-round.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon resident breeding along the River Wear and Tees. Often seen in small parties fishing on fast-flowing stretches.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare but near year-round presence offshore. Small flocks are seen from the Durham coast, with numbers peaking during passage.
May–Mar
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon resident breeding along the Durham coast and estuaries. Also found inland at reservoirs and gravel pits.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
An uncommon year-round resident along the Durham coastline. Breeds on rocky shores and forms moulting rafts offshore in summer.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon resident, with numbers swelling in winter when Icelandic and Scandinavian birds join locals on reservoirs and flooded fields.
Year-round
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Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring lakes and reservoirs with vegetated margins. Has increased in recent decades across the region.
Year-round
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor found on reservoirs and rivers, often seen diving on the Wear or at upland waters from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare visitor, with occasional records in summer. Most likely seen on coastal waters or larger inland reservoirs.
Jul
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally recorded in January among flocks of other grey geese on farmland and wetlands.
Jan
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon year-round resident found on reservoirs, lakes and farmland. Feral populations breed locally alongside truly wild birds.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally seen on the Durham coast or larger reservoirs during October and November.
Oct–Nov
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The commonest duck in the county, found year-round on rivers, lakes, park ponds and farmland pools throughout Durham.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but increasing breeder found on wooded rivers and lakes from spring through autumn. A striking exotic addition to the county.
Mar–Oct
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An uncommon year-round resident gracing the River Wear and larger lakes. Pairs breed on sheltered waterways across the county.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare passage visitor in autumn and late winter. This elegant dabbling duck favours shallow wetlands and reservoir margins.
Sep–Feb
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident on shallow wetlands and reservoirs. Numbers peak in autumn and winter when migrants bolster local birds.
Aug–Jun
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from autumn through to spring. Skeins may pass overhead, with small flocks occasionally settling on farmland.
Sep–Mar
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A rare year-round resident on deeper lakes and reservoirs. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades across the UK.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, mainly seen along the Durham coast and river estuaries from autumn through to early spring.
Sep–Apr
Taiga Bean Goose
Anser fabalisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally turning up in December on stubble fields or wetland margins with other wintering geese.
Dec