Ducks, Geese & Swans in Northumberland
34 species matching this filter.
Northumberland's diverse wetland habitats — from the wild Northumbrian coast and Holy Island mudflats to inland reservoirs and the river systems of the Tyne and Coquet — support an impressive variety of ducks, geese and swans. With 31 species recorded, the county plays host to notable visitors such as Barnacle Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Long-tailed Duck, alongside resident breeders like Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose. The region's estuaries and coastal lagoons are particularly important for overwintering wildfowl, making Northumberland a rewarding destination for waterfowl enthusiasts year-round.
Showing 24–34 of 34 species
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and reservoirs, though nationally declining. Winter numbers may be boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Present year-round along the coast and on larger rivers. Often seen fishing in estuaries and sheltered bays throughout the county.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare non-native breeder at freshwater lakes from April to September. Subject to national eradication efforts, sightings have become increasingly scarce.
Apr–Sep
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferrugineaLC
A rare and unpredictable visitor, with sporadic records in late spring and summer. Origins of individuals are often debated.
May–Aug
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally appearing on inland lakes and reservoirs between November and March. Always a sought-after find.
Nov–Mar
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillataLC
A rare Nearctic sea duck occasionally spotted offshore in late autumn and early winter. Often associates with Common Scoter flocks off the coast.
Nov–Dec
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on freshwater lakes and reservoirs across Northumberland. Breeds locally and gathers in larger winter flocks.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor in late winter, sometimes found among Pink-footed Goose flocks on coastal fields in February and March.
Feb–Mar
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare passage visitor in November, occasionally stopping at wetlands or joining Whooper Swan flocks on farmland near the coast.
Nov
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to offshore waters, mainly seen from late summer through winter. Often associates with Common Scoter flocks.
Jul–Feb
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
Present year-round but most prominent in winter, when Icelandic birds gather on flooded fields and lakes. Bugling calls carry across Northumberland's wetlands.
Year-round