Ducks, Geese & Swans in Nottinghamshire
25 species matching this filter.
Nottinghamshire is home to 25 recorded species of ducks, geese and swans, supported by a diverse range of wetland habitats including the River Trent, Attenborough Nature Reserve, and numerous gravel pits and reservoirs. The county attracts both resident breeders such as Canada Goose, Greylag Goose and Gadwall, as well as winter visitors like Eurasian Wigeon, Greater White-fronted Goose and Goldeneye. More unusual sightings include Barnacle Goose, Egyptian Goose and Common Merganser, making Nottinghamshire a rewarding destination for wildfowl enthusiasts.
Showing 1–23 of 25 species
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Rare resident, with most birds likely of feral origin. Small numbers frequent parkland lakes and gravel pits, mainly from autumn through spring.
Jan–Sep
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant resident on lakes, rivers and parkland throughout the county. Large flocks gather on the Trent valley gravel pits and urban waters year-round.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Uncommon but regular on the Trent and larger rivers, mainly from autumn to spring. Sawbill flocks fish in clear stretches through the winter months.
Sep–May
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon resident, breeding at a few wetland sites. More often seen on gravel pits and the Trent floodplain outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An established and increasing resident found year-round on lakes, gravel pits and parkland. This naturalised species is now a common sight across the county.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
A common year-round duck on flooded grasslands and reservoir margins. Whistling flocks are most conspicuous in winter across the Trent floodplain.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common year-round resident on lakes and gravel pits, particularly at Attenborough and Idle valley reserves. Numbers have increased in recent decades.
Year-round
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare and declining summer passage migrant, occasionally seen at marshy pools in spring and autumn. A prized find at Idle valley wetlands.
Apr–Sep
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Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon but regular visitor, mainly present from autumn through spring on gravel pits and reservoirs. Diving birds catch the eye on calm waters.
Jul–May
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to larger reservoirs and gravel pits from late autumn to early spring. Usually found among Tufted Duck flocks.
Nov–Apr
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in midwinter among other goose flocks on the Trent floodplain and larger wetlands.
Jan
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, gravel pits and the Trent floodplain. Feral and wild populations mix, with numbers boosted by winter arrivals.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most widespread duck in the county, common year-round on virtually any waterbody from urban park ponds to rural rivers and reservoirs.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A scarce but resident breeder, favouring wooded lakes and rivers such as the Idle valley. Males are strikingly ornate but often elusive.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar year-round resident gracing rivers, lakes and canals across the county. Breeds readily on the Trent and at urban park lakes.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Trent Valley gravel pits and flooded fields, with elegant drakes arriving from autumn.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident on shallow lakes and marshes, sweeping its broad bill through the water. Readily found at Attenborough and Idle Valley reserves.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Rare but regular, mainly seen in winter and early spring on Trent valley farmland. Skeins are sometimes spotted overhead during autumn migration.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A common resident on lakes and gravel pits, though nationally declining. Winter flocks gather at Attenborough and other Trent Valley sites.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
An uncommon resident on larger lakes and gravel pits. The striking orange-headed males are increasingly seen, likely of mixed feral and wild origin.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare resident, now largely eradicated through national culling programmes. Any remaining birds on county lakes are increasingly unusual sightings.
Year-round
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, with smart black-and-white drakes occasionally appearing on Trent Valley lakes in cold winters.
Nov–Mar
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on gravel pits, reservoirs and park lakes, with numbers peaking in winter.
Year-round