Ducks, Geese & Swans in Norfolk
33 species matching this filter.
Norfolk is one of Britain's premier destinations for observing ducks, geese and swans, with 33 species recorded across the county's expansive wetlands, coastal marshes and inland waterways. The North Norfolk coast and the Broads provide vital wintering grounds for species such as Brent Goose, Eurasian Wigeon and Greater White-fronted Goose, while residents like Common Shelduck and Canada Goose can be seen year-round. From the elegant Northern Pintail to the striking Mandarin Duck, Norfolk's diverse habitats support a remarkable variety of wildfowl throughout the seasons.
Showing 24–33 of 33 species
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollisVU
A rare and prized winter vagrant, occasionally found among brent goose flocks on the north Norfolk coast. Requires patient searching.
Feb
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to estuaries and coastal waters from autumn to spring. Often seen in harbours and tidal creeks.
Sep–Apr
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare breeding visitor to shallow lakes and broads from March to August. Norfolk is one of its few regular UK breeding areas.
Mar–Aug
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally appearing on inland lakes and broads in January during cold weather influxes from the continent.
Jan
Taiga Bean Goose
Anser fabalisLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen on grazing marshes and beet fields in the Yare Valley during January and December.
Dec–Jan
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
Uncommon but present year-round on lakes, gravel pits, and broads. Often seen diving alongside Pochard on open water.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare winter visitor, with a regular flock at the Yare Valley from December to February. Norfolk is a key UK wintering site.
Dec–Feb
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter visitor to the Ouse Washes and Norfolk's flooded grazing marshes. Small herds arrive from Arctic Russia in November.
Nov–Mar
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Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare winter visitor, found offshore along the north Norfolk coast from October to March, often among Common Scoter flocks.
Oct–Mar
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
A rare resident, with small numbers wintering on the Broads and coastal marshes. Most likely seen at sites like Welney.
Year-round