Ducks, Geese & Swans in East Sussex
29 species matching this filter.
East Sussex is home to 29 recorded species of ducks, geese and swans, thanks to its diverse wetland habitats ranging from the coastal estuaries of Rye Harbour and the Cuckmere Haven to the freshwater lakes and reservoirs of the Low Weald. The county's coastline and grazing marshes attract notable wintering species such as Brent Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Eurasian Wigeon, while resident breeders like Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose can be observed year-round. Scarcer visitors including Goldeneye, Common Merganser and Barnacle Goose add further interest for birdwatchers exploring the region.
Showing 1–23 of 29 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, with feral birds present on coastal marshes and reservoirs. Numbers increase in autumn and winter with possible wild arrivals.
Sep–May
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A winter visitor to coastal harbours and grazing marshes, absent during summer. Rye Harbour and the Cuckmere are favoured feeding areas.
Sep–May
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Widespread and common on lakes, rivers and parkland year-round. Readily seen at Arlington Reservoir and urban ponds across the county.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and rivers in winter. Small numbers appear between November and February, favouring larger freshwater bodies.
Nov–Feb
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
An uncommon but year-round presence offshore, often seen as dark lines of birds flying low over the sea. Passage peaks in spring and autumn.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon resident of estuaries and coastal mudflats, notably at Cuckmere Haven and the Ouse estuary. Breeds locally in rabbit burrows.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An established but uncommon resident found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and parkland. This naturalised species is slowly spreading across the county.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen offshore or in sheltered bays during spring and late autumn. Small numbers may linger through winter.
Dec–Apr
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to coastal marshes and flooded fields, with numbers peaking in winter. Whistling flocks gather on the Pevensey Levels and Cuckmere.
Jul–May
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident on reservoirs and gravel pits. Often overlooked among Mallards but breeds locally at sites like Arlington Reservoir.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A scarce summer breeder at wetland sites like the Pannel Valley. Arrives in spring and departs by early autumn, favouring shallow pools with emergent vegetation.
Mar–Sep
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A scarce winter visitor to reservoirs and sheltered coastal waters from November to March. Arlington Reservoir offers occasional sightings.
Nov–Mar
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare passage visitor in early winter and spring, occasionally found among Tufted Duck and Pochard flocks on reservoirs and sheltered coastal waters.
Jan–Mar
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor to the Pevensey Levels and grazing marshes, sometimes mixing with other goose flocks from November through to March.
Nov–Mar
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
Common on lakes, marshes and farmland throughout the county. Feral populations are well established and breed readily at wetland sites.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor, occasionally spotted offshore or in sheltered bays during December. One of the county's scarcest sea ducks.
Dec
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and familiar resident found year-round on rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes throughout the county. Readily seen in parks and gardens near water.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident on wooded lakes and rivers, favouring mature trees with nesting holes. Most easily seen in late winter displays.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An elegant year-round resident of rivers, lakes and coastal lagoons. Breeds on the Cuckmere, Ouse and at Rye Harbour.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An elegant dabbling duck found on coastal marshes and flooded fields, mainly from autumn to spring. Scarce but regular at Rye Harbour.
Sep–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Uncommon but present year-round on freshwater marshes and flooded fields. Most reliably seen at Rye Harbour and Pevensey Levels.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare winter visitor to the Pevensey Levels and coastal grazing marshes. Small numbers occasionally appear among flocks of other geese in January and February.
Jan–Feb
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon diving duck on lakes and reservoirs year-round. Nationally declining, but Arlington Reservoir remains a reliable local site.
Year-round