Ducks, Geese & Swans in Suffolk
32 species matching this filter.
Suffolk's diverse wetland habitats, from the estuaries of the Stour and Orwell to the renowned RSPB reserves at Minsmere and Lackford Lakes, support an impressive 32 species of ducks, geese and swans. The county's coastal marshes, grazing meadows and inland waterways attract a rich variety of wildfowl, including resident breeders such as Common Shelduck and Greylag Goose, alongside winter visitors like Eurasian Wigeon and Goldeneye. Notable species also include established populations of Egyptian Goose and occasional sightings of scarcer visitors such as Bar-headed Goose and Black Swan.
Showing 24–32 of 32 species
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen among other goose flocks on Suffolk's coastal grazing marshes.
Nov–Mar
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and gravel pits, though nationally declining. Winter numbers are bolstered by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
A rare winter visitor found along Suffolk's estuaries and coastal waters, present from October through to March.
Oct–Mar
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A scarce winter visitor, occasionally appearing on Suffolk's reservoirs and flooded gravel pits from December to March.
Dec–Mar
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon but widespread resident on freshwater lakes and gravel pits across the county. Numbers increase in winter with birds from the continent.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare midwinter visitor, occasionally found on arable fields and grazing marshes in the coldest months. Suffolk lies at the edge of its regular wintering range.
Dec–Feb
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally found on flooded fields and grazing marshes. Small numbers may appear in cold spells between November and February.
Nov–Feb
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare winter visitor to Suffolk's offshore waters, occasionally seen from coastal watchpoints. Most likely between November and January.
Nov–Jan
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Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
An uncommon winter visitor, arriving from Iceland and Scandinavia from October. Small herds favour the Ouse and Stour Washes and coastal grazing marshes.
Oct–Mar