Ducks, Geese & Swans in Tyne and Wear

29 species matching this filter.

All birds in Tyne and WearView family page

Tyne and Wear's diverse wetland habitats, from the estuarine mudflats of the River Tyne and River Wear to coastal waters and inland reservoirs, support an impressive 29 species of ducks, geese and swans. The region is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers during the winter months, when migratory species such as Brent Goose, Barnacle Goose, Eurasian Wigeon and Long-tailed Duck arrive to take advantage of sheltered coastal and estuarine feeding grounds. Notable residents and visitors also include Common Shelduck, Goldeneye and Common Merganser, which can be spotted along the region's rivers and wetlands throughout the colder months.

Ruddy Duck
Ruddy DuckSmallest · 35cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Ruddy Duck (35cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)18 year-round residents

Showing 1–23 of 29 species

Barnacle Goose

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsisLC

A rare resident, with both feral birds and genuine wild vagrants occurring. Small numbers frequent parks and coastal fields.

Sep–May

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

Brent Goose

Branta berniclaLC

A rare winter visitor to the coast, occasionally seen on mudflats and estuaries around the Tyne and Wear shoreline from autumn through to early spring.

Sep–Feb

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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensisLC

A common resident found year-round on park lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the region. Feral populations are well established.

Year-round

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganserLC

An uncommon resident breeding along rivers and seen on reservoirs year-round, often spotted fishing on the Tyne and its tributaries.

Year-round

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

Common Scoter

Melanitta nigraLC

An uncommon sea duck present offshore year-round. Rafts can be spotted from coastal headlands, with numbers peaking in winter.

Year-round

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

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadornaLC

An uncommon resident found year-round on estuarine mudflats and coastal pools, often seen along the Tyne estuary and nearby coastline.

Year-round

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

Eider

Somateria mollissimaNT

An uncommon resident along the rocky coastline. Breeds on nearby Northumberland shores and is seen year-round off local beaches.

Year-round

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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelopeLC

An uncommon but year-round resident, most conspicuous in winter when flocks gather on coastal wetlands and estuaries.

Year-round

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Gadwall

Gadwall

Mareca streperaLC

An uncommon resident breeding at wetland reserves. Washington WWT is a reliable site, with numbers boosted in winter.

Year-round

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

Garganey

Spatula querquedulaLC

A rare passage migrant seen briefly in spring and late summer at freshwater wetlands such as Washington WWT and Big Waters.

Apr–Aug

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

Goldeneye

Bucephala clangulaLC

An uncommon winter visitor to rivers and lakes, present from October to spring. The Tyne and larger reservoirs are favoured sites.

Oct–May

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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marilaLC

A rare winter visitor to coastal waters and sheltered bays. Small numbers appear from autumn to spring, often near harbour areas.

Sep–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifronsLC

A rare winter visitor, occasionally turning up among other goose flocks on farmland or wetlands between December and March.

Dec–Mar

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

Greylag Goose

Anser anserLC

An uncommon resident found on lakes and farmland. Feral populations breed locally, with numbers supplemented by wild birds in winter.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Long-tailed Duck

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalisVU

A rare winter visitor to coastal waters, occasionally spotted offshore or in harbours from late autumn through to early spring.

Oct–Mar

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

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchosLC

A common and familiar resident found on virtually any waterbody, from urban park ponds and rivers to coastal estuaries.

Year-round

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

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulataLC

A rare and elusive visitor, occasionally turning up on wooded rivers and park lakes, most likely involving feral or wandering birds.

Dec–Apr

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

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschataLC

A rare and unexpected visitor, likely of feral or escaped origin. Occasionally recorded on urban waterways in February.

Feb

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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olorLC

A familiar resident on rivers, lakes and park ponds throughout Tyne and Wear, breeding readily in urban and suburban settings.

Year-round

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

Northern Pintail

Anas acutaLC

A rare non-breeding visitor to estuaries and wetlands, most likely seen in autumn and winter among other dabbling ducks.

Sep–Mar

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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeataLC

An uncommon resident favouring shallow wetlands and reservoirs, identifiable by its distinctive spatulate bill as it sweeps through the water.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchusLC

An uncommon but regular visitor, with skeins passing over in autumn and spring. Flocks feed on stubble fields and roost at wetlands.

Sep–May

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

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

An uncommon resident whose numbers have declined nationally. Found on deeper lakes and reservoirs, with winter flocks at key sites.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Page 1 of 2Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Ducks, Geese & Swans in Tyne and Wear | Birdfact