Ducks, Geese & Swans in Essex

35 species matching this filter.

All birds in EssexView family page

Essex is one of the premier counties in England for observing ducks, geese and swans, with 34 species recorded across its diverse wetland habitats. The county's extensive coastline, estuaries such as the Thames, Blackwater and Colne, and inland reservoirs like Abberton and Hanningfield provide vital wintering and breeding grounds for species ranging from large flocks of Brent Geese to the striking Mandarin Duck. Notable residents and visitors include the Common Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, and the increasingly established Black Swan.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)18 year-round residents

Showing 24–35 of 35 species

Pochard

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

A common resident on reservoirs and gravel pits, though nationally declining; numbers swell in winter.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-breasted Goose

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollisVU

A rare vagrant occasionally found among Brent Goose flocks on the Essex coast, mainly in November and January.

Nov–Jan

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

An uncommon non-breeding visitor found along Essex estuaries and coastal waters from October to April, often diving in tidal channels.

Oct–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red-crested Pochard

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufinaLC

A rare but year-round resident, occasionally seen on larger reservoirs and gravel pits. Part of a slowly expanding feral population in south-east England.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensisLC

Now very rare following national eradication efforts. Occasionally recorded on Essex reservoirs and gravel pits.

Jul–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ruddy Shelduck

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferrugineaLC

A rare summer vagrant of uncertain origin, occasionally appearing on Essex reservoirs and gravel pits in June to August.

Jun–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smew

Smew

Mergellus albellusLC

An uncommon but prized winter visitor to Essex reservoirs and gravel pits, present from December to March. Numbers vary greatly between years.

Dec–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits, often diving for food alongside Pochard.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Tundra Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

Anser serrirostrisLC

A rare winter visitor, occasionally found on coastal marshes and arable fields. Most records come from December to February.

Dec–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianusLC

A rare winter visitor to Essex marshes and flooded fields, occasionally seen in small groups from November to February.

Nov–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Velvet Scoter

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fuscaVU

A rare winter visitor to Essex coastal waters, occasionally seen off Southend or the Blackwater Estuary in late autumn and early winter.

Nov–Jan

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted in spring at reservoirs and coastal marshes. Far less regular here than in northern England.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PreviousPage 2 of 2

Frequently Asked Questions