Ducks, Geese & Swans in North Yorkshire
32 species matching this filter.
North Yorkshire's diverse wetland habitats, from the expansive reservoirs and lakes of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to the estuarine mudflats of the Humber and Tees, support an impressive 32 species of ducks, geese and swans. The county plays host to notable species such as Barnacle Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Goldeneye during the winter months, while resident breeders like Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose can be observed year-round. Key sites including the wetlands around the Vale of York and coastal areas attract large congregations of wildfowl, making North Yorkshire a rewarding destination for waterfowl enthusiasts.
Showing 1–23 of 32 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Present year-round but rare, with a mix of feral birds and genuine wild vagrants. Found on grassland and wetland margins.
Year-round
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and exotic sight, likely originating from ornamental collections. Occasionally turns up on lakes and rivers across the region.
Nov–Sep
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to the coast and estuaries, mainly seen from September to February. Prefers tidal mudflats.
Sep–Feb
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant year-round on lakes, rivers and gravel pits. A familiar and often bold presence in parks and urban waterways.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Resident on upland rivers and reservoirs throughout the Dales and moorland valleys. Often seen in small parties fishing along fast-flowing streams.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Uncommon but present year-round offshore. Dark flocks can be spotted from coastal headlands, often flying low over the waves.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Found year-round on estuaries, coastal mudflats and inland wetlands. Breeds in rabbit burrows and other cavities near water.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
A rare and sporadic resident, part of a slowly expanding feral population. Seen occasionally on lakes and grassy margins.
Sep–Jun
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Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
An uncommon year-round resident along the rocky Yorkshire coast. Breeds on sheltered stretches and forms rafts offshore in winter.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Present year-round on reservoirs, lakes and coastal wetlands. Numbers swell in winter with continental arrivals joining small resident populations.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident of lowland lakes and reservoirs. Quieter and less conspicuous than its close relative the Mallard.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in spring, favouring shallow wetlands with emergent vegetation. One of the UK's scarcest breeding ducks.
Apr–Sep
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to reservoirs and rivers from October to April. Males are striking with their glossy green heads and bright golden eyes.
Oct–Apr
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare winter visitor from October to March. Small numbers appear on coastal waters and occasionally on larger inland reservoirs.
Oct–Mar
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor to lowland fields and wetlands, occasionally joining flocks of other grey geese between December and March.
Dec–Mar
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common year-round resident found on farmland, reservoirs and parkland lakes across the region. Feral and wild populations mix freely.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to coastal waters and occasionally inland reservoirs. Present from October to March in small numbers.
Oct–Mar
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and familiar resident on virtually any body of water, from village ponds and park lakes to moorland reservoirs.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident of wooded rivers and lakes. Males are strikingly ornate, often seen around mature parkland.
Nov–Sep
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar and elegant resident of rivers, canals and lakes throughout the region. Breeds widely and is present all year.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to coastal estuaries and inland waters, arriving from September and departing by April. An elegant, long-necked dabbling duck.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident of shallow lakes and flooded fields. Numbers increase in winter as continental birds arrive.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Winters in large skeins over the Vale of York, arriving from Iceland in autumn. Absent during summer breeding months.
Sep–May