Ducks, Geese & Swans in Merseyside
29 species matching this filter.
Merseyside's diverse wetland habitats, from the Dee and Mersey estuaries to the internationally important marshes at Martin Mere, make it an outstanding region for ducks, geese and swans. With 29 species recorded, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from wintering flocks of Eurasian Wigeon and Barnacle Geese to resident breeders such as Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose. Scarcer visitors like Long-tailed Duck and Greater White-fronted Goose add further excitement for those exploring the county's coastline and inland waters.
Showing 1–23 of 29 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, with small numbers on coastal marshes. Origins of birds can be uncertain, mixing feral and genuinely wild individuals.
Sep–Jun
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare introduced breeder, occasionally seen on park lakes and ornamental waters from spring through autumn.
Apr–Oct
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to the Mersey estuary and Dee shoreline, present mainly from autumn through to spring.
Sep–Apr
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident found on park lakes, reservoirs and grassy areas throughout the year. Flocks can be conspicuous on playing fields.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and river channels, mainly from autumn through to spring.
Sep–Apr
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted offshore in Liverpool Bay during March, with larger flocks further out to sea.
Jul–Apr
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident of the Mersey and Dee estuaries, easily recognised by bold plumage. Numbers build in late summer moult gatherings.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted offshore or on the Mersey estuary during May and autumn. Most records involve single birds lingering briefly.
May–Oct
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Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon year-round resident, most numerous in winter on the estuaries and coastal marshes where flocks graze on wet grassland.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring freshwater lakes and marshes, often found alongside other dabbling ducks.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer breeder, arriving in April and departing by June. Favours shallow freshwater pools with emergent vegetation.
Apr–Jun
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Merseyside's lakes and reservoirs, arriving from October and lingering into spring. Males are unmistakable with their glossy green heads.
Oct–May
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from October to April, occasionally found on the Mersey estuary or marine lakes.
Oct–Apr
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare spring passage visitor, occasionally turning up among Pink-footed Goose flocks on farmland near the coast.
Apr
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon resident found year-round on park lakes, reservoirs and coastal marshes. Feral populations mix with genuinely wild birds in winter.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen offshore or in the docks during autumn and early winter.
Oct–Mar
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and familiar resident on virtually any waterbody across Merseyside, from park lakes to estuarine creeks.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon resident of wooded lakes and park ponds, with small feral populations established at sites across the region.
Sep–Jul
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare record, almost certainly of domestic or feral origin. Occasionally noted on park lakes in March.
Mar
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common and familiar resident on canals, park lakes and the coast. Breeds readily across Merseyside's waterways.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon but elegant dabbling duck, favouring the Mersey estuary mudflats and marshes mainly from autumn to spring.
Sep–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident on freshwater marshes and pools year-round. Often seen in groups sweeping their broad bills across shallow water.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A common sight over Merseyside in winter, with large skeins flying to and from feeding fields. Numbers peak from October to March.
Aug–May