Ducks, Geese & Swans in Hampshire
31 species matching this filter.
Hampshire's diverse wetland habitats, from the Solent coastline and its estuaries to inland lakes and river valleys, support an impressive variety of ducks, geese and swans. With 31 species recorded, the county attracts notable visitors such as the Greater White-fronted Goose and Eurasian Wigeon in winter, alongside established populations of Egyptian Goose and Common Shelduck. Reservoirs, flooded gravel pits and coastal marshes provide vital feeding and roosting grounds throughout the year.
Showing 1–23 of 31 species
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicusLC
A rare passage bird of likely captive origin, occasionally noted in spring and summer on lakes and reservoirs.
Apr–Jun
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, present most months. Often of uncertain origin, mixing with feral flocks on lakes and gravel pits.
Jul–May
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare introduced breeder, occasionally seen on lakes and ornamental waters. Most records fall between spring and summer.
Jan–Jul
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An uncommon but characteristic sight on the Solent harbours year-round. Large flocks graze eelgrass on mudflats in winter.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, rivers, and gravel pits across the county. Often forms large moulting flocks in summer.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare resident, scarce on Hampshire's rivers and lakes. Most often seen in winter months, absent during midsummer.
Aug–May
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare sea duck seen offshore along Hampshire's coast, mainly in winter and during passage. Largely absent during midsummer months.
Aug–May
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common year-round resident of coastal mudflats and estuaries. Breeds along the Solent harbours and Southampton Water.
Year-round
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Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident found year-round on lakes, gravel pits, and river meadows across Hampshire.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
Found along the Solent coast and harbours year-round, though uncommon. Most often seen around the Isle of Wight approaches and Langstone Harbour.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Common on coastal marshes and flooded grasslands, with large wintering flocks at sites like Keyhaven and the Test valley.
Aug–Jun
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common year-round resident on Hampshire's lakes, gravel pits, and waterways. Often seen in pairs or small groups dabbling quietly.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare spring passage migrant from March to May. Favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows on passage.
Mar–May
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Hampshire's reservoirs and gravel pits from November to April. Males display a striking white face patch.
Nov–Apr
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare winter visitor from December to April. Occasionally found on sheltered coastal waters and larger inland lakes.
Dec–Apr
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor arriving in December and lingering into February. Occasionally found grazing on coastal marshes and flood meadows.
Dec–Feb
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes, reservoirs, and river meadows. Feral populations breed alongside other geese.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare non-breeding visitor from November to February. Occasionally seen on coastal waters along the Solent.
Nov–Feb
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Abundant and familiar year-round on rivers, ponds, lakes and estuaries across Hampshire. Readily seen in parks and gardens.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but year-round resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. The New Forest and surrounding estates offer suitable habitat.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common and elegant resident gracing rivers, lakes, and harbours throughout the county all year round.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An elegant dabbling duck found mainly in winter on coastal marshes and estuaries. The Solent harbours hold important flocks.
Sep–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident found on shallow lakes and marshes year-round. Numbers increase in winter at key wetland sites.
Year-round