Ducks, Geese & Swans in Hampshire

32 species matching this filter.

All birds in HampshireView family page

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.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Mute Swan
Mute SwanLargest · 160cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Mute Swan (160cm)18 year-round residents

Showing 24–32 of 32 species

Pochard

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

Present year-round on lakes and reservoirs but declining nationally. Winter numbers are supplemented by continental birds at sites like Blashford Lakes.

Year-round

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

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollisVU

An exceptionally rare passage visitor, recorded in February. One of the world's rarest geese, any sighting is noteworthy.

Feb

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

A non-breeding visitor to Hampshire's harbours and estuaries from autumn through spring. Favours the sheltered waters of Langstone and Chichester Harbours.

Oct–Apr

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

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufinaLC

A rare passage visitor in late autumn, occasionally appearing on Hampshire's lakes and reservoirs. The striking male is unmistakable.

Nov–Dec

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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensisLC

A rare passage visitor, now extremely scarce following the national eradication programme. Occasionally recorded in November.

Nov

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

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferrugineaLC

A rare summer passage visitor of uncertain origin, occasionally appearing on lakes and reservoirs from June to August.

Jun–Aug

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

Frequents freshwater lakes and gravel pits across Hampshire year-round, with notable gatherings at sites like Blashford Lakes and Alresford Pond.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tundra Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

Anser serrirostrisLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in January. May turn up among flocks of other wintering geese on wetlands.

Jan

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Velvet Scoter

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fuscaVU

A rare non-breeding visitor to Hampshire's coastal waters, occasionally seen off the Solent from November to January.

Nov–Jan

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

Frequently Asked Questions