Ducks, Geese & Swans in Kent
33 species matching this filter.
Kent's diverse wetland habitats, from the expansive marshes of the North Kent coast to the lakes and reservoirs inland, support an impressive 33 species of ducks, geese and swans. The county is a vital wintering ground for wildfowl such as Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall and Goldeneye, while resident species like Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose can be observed year-round. Notable visitors include Barnacle Goose, Long-tailed Duck and the striking Egyptian Goose, which has become increasingly established across the region.
Showing 1–23 of 33 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, with records likely involving feral birds or occasional wild vagrants mixing with Brent Goose flocks on coastal marshes in winter.
Nov–May
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare escapee from wildfowl collections, occasionally seen on lakes and rivers in late spring. Not a naturally occurring species in Kent.
May–Jun
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Winters on Kent's estuaries and coastal marshes, with flocks favouring the Swale and Thames estuary mudflats. Absent during summer months.
Sep–May
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, rivers, and gravel pits across Kent. Established feral populations breed readily throughout the county.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and larger rivers, occasionally seen between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Present year-round off Kent's coast, with rafts visible from headlands and sea-watching points. Numbers peak during autumn passage.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Common on Kent's estuaries and coastal grazing marshes year-round. Large numbers breed on the North Kent Marshes and Pegwell Bay.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An uncommon but spreading resident, found year-round on lakes and parkland. Part of the expanding feral population established across southeast England.
Year-round
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Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A rare resident along Kent's coastline, most often seen off Thanet and the north Kent shore. Largely absent during midsummer months.
Sep–May
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Mainly a winter visitor to Kent's coastal marshes and estuaries, with large flocks on the Swale and Medway. Small numbers may linger year-round.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
Present year-round on freshwater lakes and marshes, with good numbers at Stodmarsh and the Dungeness area. A quiet, easily overlooked dabbling duck.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer visitor breeding on Kent's freshwater marshes, arriving in spring. Stodmarsh and Dungeness are traditional sites for this scarce duck.
Mar–Oct
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Kent's reservoirs, gravel pits and sheltered estuaries from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare winter visitor to Kent's coastal waters and estuaries. Often found among flocks of Tufted Duck, requiring careful identification.
Nov–Mar
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
An uncommon winter visitor, with flocks favouring the North Kent Marshes and Romney Marsh. Kent is a key wintering area for the European race.
Nov–Mar
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
Common resident breeding on lakes, marshes, and gravel pits across Kent. Feral populations are well established, often mixing with Canada Geese.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to Kent's coastal waters and reservoirs. Most records come from the sea off Dungeness or Thanet between autumn and spring.
Oct–Apr
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Kent's most widespread duck, common year-round on virtually any body of water from town park ponds to coastal marshes and estuaries.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. Small numbers breed in Kent, often nesting in tree holes near quiet waterways.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on Kent's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters year-round. Breeds widely and is often seen on the Medway and Stour.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon visitor, most numerous in winter on coastal marshes and estuaries. Elegant flocks favour the Swale and North Kent Marshes.
Aug–Jun
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Found year-round on freshwater marshes and lakes, with numbers boosted in winter. Favours shallow wetlands at Stodmarsh, Cliffe, and Dungeness.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally recorded on coastal marshes and arable fields. Kent lies south of this species' main wintering range in Britain.
Oct–Feb