Ducks, Geese & Swans in North Yorkshire

32 species matching this filter.

All birds in North YorkshireView family page

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.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)20 year-round residents

Showing 24–32 of 32 species

Pochard

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

Present year-round but declining nationally. Favours large lakes and reservoirs, with numbers boosted by winter visitors.

Year-round

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serratorLC

An uncommon resident favouring coastal waters and estuaries. Also breeds along upland rivers in the Dales and North York Moors.

Sep–Jul

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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensisLC

A rare and declining breeder, present from April to July. Subject to national eradication efforts due to its non-native status.

Apr–Jul

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

Smew

Mergellus albellusLC

A rare and striking winter visitor, occasionally appearing on inland lakes and reservoirs in January and February.

Jan–Feb

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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescensLC

A rare passage visitor in late summer and autumn. Records may involve genuine wild birds or escapes from collections.

Aug–Oct

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

A common diving duck found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits throughout the year. Often seen in tight rafts on open water.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tundra Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

Anser serrirostrisLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in February on farmland or wetlands. Easily confused with the closely related Taiga Bean Goose.

Feb

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

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fuscaVU

A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters, mainly seen from late autumn to early spring. Often found among Common Scoter flocks.

Aug–Mar

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

Winters on lowland floodplains and lakes, arriving from Iceland in October. Bugling calls carry across the Vale of York.

Oct–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PreviousPage 2 of 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Ducks, Geese & Swans in North Yorkshire | Birdfact