Ducks, Geese & Swans in Manchester

27 species matching this filter.

All birds in ManchesterView family page

Manchester's diverse waterways, reservoirs and wetlands support an impressive 27 species of ducks, geese and swans. From the elegant Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck visiting during winter months to resident Greylag Geese and Gadwall found across the county's lakes and canals, there is plenty to discover year-round. Notable sightings include the striking Egyptian Goose, which has been expanding its range across the region, and occasional appearances of the Black Swan.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)15 year-round residents

Showing 1–23 of 27 species

Black Swan

Black Swan

Cygnus atratusLC

A rare and likely escaped bird, occasionally seen on park lakes and lodges between August and October.

Aug–Oct

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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensisLC

A common resident of park lakes, canals, and reservoirs year-round, often gathering in large moulting flocks during summer.

Year-round

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganserLC

Frequents the Mersey and Irwell rivers year-round, often seen fishing in fast-flowing stretches. Known locally as goosander.

Year-round

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

Common Scoter

Melanitta nigraLC

A rare and unexpected inland visitor, occasionally appearing on larger reservoirs during spring, summer, or autumn passage.

Mar–Oct

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

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadornaLC

A rare resident on reservoirs and sewage works, present mainly from winter through summer before a moulting departure.

Jan–Sep

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

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiacaLC

A rare visitor, likely of feral origin, occasionally spotted on park lakes and waterways during summer and early autumn.

Jun–Sep

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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelopeLC

An uncommon visitor mainly from autumn to spring, grazing on flooded fields and reservoir margins across Greater Manchester.

Aug–May

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

Gadwall

Mareca streperaLC

Found year-round on well-vegetated lakes and lodges. Quieter than its relatives, often overlooked among Mallards.

Year-round

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

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Garganey

Garganey

Spatula querquedulaLC

A scarce passage migrant, occasionally glimpsed at wetland sites in spring and late summer. A prized find for local birders.

Apr–Sep

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

Goldeneye

Bucephala clangulaLC

An uncommon diving duck on reservoirs and lodges, mainly in winter. Males flash striking white plumage in display.

Jul–May

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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marilaLC

A rare non-breeding visitor from November to April, occasionally joining tufted duck flocks on larger reservoirs and lodges.

Nov–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifronsLC

A rare November visitor, with occasional birds turning up among flocks of other geese on flooded fields and reservoirs.

Nov

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

Greylag Goose

Anser anserLC

A rare resident around Manchester's reservoirs and park lakes, with feral populations bolstered by wild birds in winter.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Long-tailed Duck

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalisVU

A rare passage visitor in April and November, very occasionally appearing on reservoirs during cold-weather movements.

Nov–Apr

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

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchosLC

Abundant on canals, park ponds, and rivers throughout the city year-round. The most familiar duck in the region.

Year-round

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

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulataLC

A rare but established resident, favouring wooded lakes and lodges where it nests in tree holes. A striking exotic addition.

Year-round

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

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschataLC

A rare resident of likely domestic or feral origin, sporadically recorded on park ponds and canal margins.

Sep–May

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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olorLC

A familiar sight on canals, park lakes, and the River Mersey year-round. Breeds readily across the urban area.

Year-round

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

Northern Pintail

Anas acutaLC

A rare non-breeding visitor from autumn through winter, occasionally found on reservoirs and flooded farmland in small numbers.

Sep–Feb

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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeataLC

Present year-round on shallow lakes and lodges, sweeping its broad bill through the water. Numbers peak in winter.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchusLC

Skeins fly over the city in autumn and winter, commuting between coastal roosts and inland feeding fields.

Sep–Apr

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

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

An uncommon year-round resident on deeper lakes and reservoirs. Numbers are declining nationally, making local birds notable.

Year-round

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

A rare passage visitor in November, occasionally turning up on reservoirs and lodges around Greater Manchester during autumn migration.

Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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Ducks, Geese & Swans in Manchester | Birdfact