Ducks, Geese & Swans in London
23 species matching this filter.
London's parks, reservoirs and waterways are home to an impressive diversity of ducks, geese and swans, with 23 species recorded across the county. From the ubiquitous Canada Goose and the increasingly common Egyptian Goose to winter visitors such as the Eurasian Wigeon and Goldeneye, the capital offers excellent opportunities to observe wildfowl year-round. Notable hotspots include the London Wetland Centre, the Serpentine in Hyde Park, Regent's Park and the Lee Valley reservoirs.
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, with small feral populations found in London's parks. Most sightings likely involve escaped or established non-native birds.
Nov–Aug
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and unexpected visitor, likely an escapee from collections. Occasionally reported on London's park lakes in late winter.
Feb–Mar
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant and resident year-round, found on almost every lake, reservoir, and park in the capital. Often forms large, noisy flocks.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen on the Thames and larger reservoirs between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon year-round resident, favouring the Thames estuary fringes and larger reservoirs. Less often seen on smaller park lakes.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
A common and increasing resident, thriving in London's parks and along waterways. Now one of the capital's most conspicuous wildfowl.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon visitor, mainly present from autumn to spring on reservoirs and flooded grasslands. Whistling flocks are a winter highlight.
Aug–May
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident on London's reservoirs, gravel pits, and wetland reserves throughout the year. Often seen alongside shovelers and teal.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant, briefly appearing at wetland reserves in spring and late summer. One of London's most sought-after ducks.
Apr–Sep
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A rare winter visitor to London's larger reservoirs and gravel pits, present from November to early spring.
Nov–Apr
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to London's larger reservoirs during winter months. Usually found singly among tufted duck flocks.
Dec–Apr
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally spotted in December among other goose flocks on London's larger reservoirs and grazing marshes.
Dec
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
Common and resident year-round, grazing in parks and on reservoir margins. Most London birds descend from feral populations.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
London's most familiar duck, abundant year-round on virtually every pond, canal, lake, and stretch of the Thames.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. Richmond Park and the River Thames corridor are reliable spots.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An iconic year-round resident of the Thames and London's park lakes. Breeds readily and is a familiar sight across the capital.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to London's reservoirs and wetlands from autumn through spring. Elegant but easily overlooked among other ducks.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Common and present year-round on London's wetland reserves and reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter when continental birds arrive.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Found year-round on London's lakes and reservoirs, though declining nationally. Winter flocks bolster numbers on larger waterbodies.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare but year-round resident, with a small established population centred on London's park lakes and reservoirs.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare resident following national culling efforts. Occasionally still reported on London's lakes and reservoirs.
Mar–Jan
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, occasionally appearing on London's reservoirs in cold spells. The striking male is unmistakable.
Feb
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck on park lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits throughout the year. Often seen alongside Pochard and Coot.
Year-round