Gallery - Birds that prefer Freshwater

Osprey (Pandionidae)

The Osprey is placed in a family by itself becouse it differs in several ways from the other birds of prey. In particular, the osprey has a reversible outer toe, which is used in catching and holding slippery fishes, and it can also close its nostrils for when it plunges into water after fish.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Ospreys are a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

Ospreys usually nest in trees but will use cliffs, but also as seen here man made platforms on Rutland water. They need a regular supply of fish which they catch duringg spectaular, feet-first dives into lakes,rivers or the sea. The nest is a large structure of sticks which is re-used year after year.

Sandpipers (Scolopacidae)

These are wading birds with long bills, most also have long legs.They may be found inland at damp places as well as at the seashore and they usualy nest on the ground. Flocks of several different kinds of sandpipers can often be seen feeding together at the shore, poking their bills into the water, mud or sand to find shellfish and worms. The different kinds of bills of various lengths, so that they probe at different depths and live on different kinds of food.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

A summer visitor to many parts of Europe where there is fresh water, especially fast flowing rivers and streams ether at sea level or high in the hills. Feeds mainly on insects and nests on the ground, usually among vegetation.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

The Green Sandpiper is classed as Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

This wader nests off the ground, usually in old nests of other birds, in wet woodlands near flowing water. It feeds on insects and other invertibrates.This Sandpiper breeds in north east Europe and migrates to Africa.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)

Lost bird on migration from the Russian Steppes who should be heading to West Africa.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

A transatlantic vagrant wader.

Spotted Sandpiper (Actis macularia)

The North American counterpart of the Common Sandpiper

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

The Snipe has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

Snipe use their long sensitive bill to probe for worms and other invertebrates hidden in soft mud.They nest on the ground.

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

The Jack Snipe has a Amber listing-Medium Conservation Concern.

Small Snipe that is reluctant to fly if disturbed preferring to rely on camouflage for protection. Breeds in north-eastern marshlands and winters in W Europe and in Africa. Feeds on insects,worms and seeds.

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

The Ruff is a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

The extraordinary neck-ruffs are a variety of colours and used as they dance and posture there "leks". Females mate with the most successful males. Ruffs are summer visitors to inland marshes and wet meadows. Most winter in Africa, while a few remain in Europe. They feed mostly on insects and their larvae.

Phalaropes (Phalaropodidae)

Phalaropes are unusual birds, the females court the males and the males build the nests sit on the eggs and raise the young.

Wilsons Phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor)

A vagrant from North America

Ducks (Anatidae)

Ducks are usually smaller in size and have shorter necks than Geese and Swans. The two sexs have different plumage. Ducks nest on the ground or in holes.There are three main groups of ducks.(1) Surface feeding or dabbling ducks (2)Diving ducks (3) Sawbills

Female Duck ID

This is to try and help ID female ducks,there are some gaps such as Teal which hopefully I will be able fill soon.

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

The Gadwall has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A delicately marked duck which feeds mainly on water plants.Nests close to lowland lakes with plenty of vegetation.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The Goldeneye has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A large headed diving duck which nests in northern conifer forests where there are lakes or rivers. Nests in holes in trees and will use special nestboxes. Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans and insect larva.

Mallard (Anas platynchos)

The most widespread duck in the world,feeds on a variety of animal and vegetable material. Usually nests undercover, but may nest off the ground in trees.

Pintail (Anas acuta)

The Pintail has been classified as a Amber list Species-medium conservation concern.

This elegant, long necked duck breeds near open,fresh water in north and eastern Europe and migrates south and west to coastal wetlands especially estuaries.They feed on a variety of plant and animal matter. Nests may be away from water among grasses or rushes.

Pochard (Aythya ferina)

The Pochard has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A diving duck which breeds around inland lakes. It mostly feeds on plants that grow on the bottom of shallow lakes which it reaches by diving. It nests in dense cover close to water.

Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

Larger than a pochard, They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. There is a large population in Spain and nearer but smaller numbers in France, Netherlands and Germany - and occasional wild birds may come to the UK from the Continent. The UK breeding birds almost certainly all come from escaped birds.

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

Rare visitor that likes lowland fresh or brackish still and slow moving waters, often lurking in fringing vegetation, also marshes and reedbeds.

Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

The Shoveler has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concernThe Shoveler uses its large, broad bill to filter small creatures and seeds from the water and mud. Shovelers nest near shallow inland waters with lots of vegetation.

Smew (Mergus albellus)

The Smew is an attractive diving duck and winter visitor from northan forests to inland lakes. It feeds on fish and insects which it catches by diving. It nests in holes in trees and will use nest boxes.

Teal (Anas crecca)

The Teal has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

The smallest and most secretive European duck breeds in wetlands throughout northern Europe. Feeds on seeds and small creatures which it filters from the water or from soft mud. Nests undercover near water.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

This diving duck breeds across northern Europe in autumn it migrates south to both inland and coastal areas. It feeds on water plants,invertebrates and especially freshwater mussles.It nests near water.

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

The Goosander is a Green list species-no conservation concern.

The largest "Sawbill" which breeds near northern lakes and rivers. It migrates to more southerly lakes in winter.

Mandarin (Aix galericulata)

A spectacular duck introduced from the far east and now breeding in many locations in Britain where there are lakes, mature trees, a supply of insect food in summer and nuts in the autumn.

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

Blown in from North America

Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)

Escapee, originaly from South America

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

Escapee from collections in the 1960`s and a wild population now lives in Britian.Dives to feed on insects and water plants.

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

The Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata, is a large duck which is native to Mexico, Central and South America. There also are feral breeding populations in North America in and around public parks in nearly every state of the USA and in the Canadian provinces; feral populations also exist in Europe. Although the Muscovy Duck is a tropical bird, it adapts to icy and snowy conditions down to –12°C (10°F) and below without ill effects.

Garganey (Anas querquedula)

A small duck which is fully migratory who visits in the summer from Africa. Feeds on insects and also buds,leaves,roots and seeds.

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)

Escapee or part of the feral population?? From southern Spain, North Africa and Middle East

Grebes (Podicipitidae)

Grebes are elegant water birds with colourful breeding plumage in spring and summer. The bodly patterned heads and necks with their ear tuffs and frills. Grebes feed by diving for fish and other water animals. Although agile in the water they are not good fliers.

Great Creasted Grebe (Podiceps Cristatus)

Breeds on inland water,but may be seen on the sea in winter and sometimes forms flocks.Dives to find fish and has elaborate courtship display.A floating nest is made of aquatic vegetation attached to water plants.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

The Slavonian Grebe has been classified as a Amber list species-Medium conservation concern.

It breeds in sheltered bays of freshwater lakes but feeds at sea as well. It dives to feed mainly on insects and their larvae in summer and small fish in winter. It nests among plants growing in water, sometimes in small colonies.

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

The Black-necked Grebe is a Amber list Species-Medium Conservation Concern.

Likes small lakes with reeds and other vegetation. They dive to feed on small fish, insects and shellfish.They visit larger lakes and coasts in the winter.

Geese (Anatidae)

Geese are between ducks and Swans in size. they graze mainly on land and the legs are set forward so they can walk easily. The sexs are alike, there are two groups of geese. Geese of the genus Anser are grey-brown and those of the genus Branta are black and white.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Introduced from N.America it now breeds widley in the British Isles. It feeds on plants and favours lowland lakes. The nest is a pile of grass and leaves near water.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

The greylag Goose has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

The Greylag is the ancestor of many domesticated geese. it breeds in northan wetlands from artic tundra to reed beds and migrates south during the winter. it feeds on plant material and the nest is made up of locally gathered vegitation.

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

The White-fronted Goose is classed as a Amber List species-Medium Conservation Concern.

In winter this is the most numumerous goose in Europe. It breeds on the Artic tundra and migrates in the Autumn. Feeds on leaves, roots and seeds.

Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)

The Bar-headed Goose is a goose which breeds in Central Asia in colonies of thousands near mountain lakes. It lays 3-8 eggs in a ground nest.In the Uk there are a few escapees but mainly found in collections.

Red-Breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)

The smallest and most strikingly coloured of these true geese.Winters in the Stepps and marshes in S W Asia and S E Europe; in W Europe a vagrant in flocks or an escapee.

Swans (Anatidae)

Swans are the largest waterfowl and immediatlely recognised by their long elegant necks, which they lower into the water or to the ground to pull up plants

Swan ID

Here are some pictures of Swan Bills to help with Identification.

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus)

The Bewick swan has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A winter visiter from the flat swampy Artic tundra of Siberia. Grazes on leaves,shoots and roots in flooded meadows but will also be found in arable feilds

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

The Mute Swan has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

Most mute Swans are resident but north easterly populations migrate south and west during autumn. Pairs nest singly on a nest made of rushes or reeds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

The Whooper Swan is listed as a Amber species-medium conservation concern.

the Whooper Swan breeds in Iceland and northan parts of Europe and migrates south in autumn. Feeds mainly on aquatic plants but also grazes on arable fields in the winter.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)

The Black Swan,is a bird of Australia, including Tasmania.They are from 44 to 55 inches with a wing span of 6 feet . The plumage is black, the tips of the wings are white.

The bills are red and white with fine grooves that enable them to feed on underwater plants. Their legs and webbed feet are black. They do not dive for food but are able to reach the plants they feed on with their long necks.

During February through September, the Black Swans begin building their nests. These large birds, who mate for life, often nest in colonies, unlike other swans. The nest is a large affair built of sticks and vegetation. Both birds build the nest.

Birds seen in the wild are escapees from collections.

Plovers (Charadriidae)

Plovers can be told from almost all other waders by their short beaks. They probe for worms, grubs and shellfish.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

Simlar in its feeding actions to other Plovers,this is a summer migrant to areas of sand, shingle and other bare ground, usually away from the coast but normally near water. Feeds on insects and other small creatures.

Herons,Bittens and Egrets (Ardeidae)

these birds are elegant long legged waders belonging to the order Ciconiiformes. They feed mainly in shallow water, lowering their long necks and bills to catch aquatic animals.

Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A small white heron which catches fish and insects from the edges of lakes,slow flowing rivers and esturies.Nests in colonies.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Smaller and compacter than little Egret. Appears all white both in flight and at rest except when breeding when it has dark buff plumes on crown.Casual visiter to the uk with it expanding its range.

Great White Egret (Egretta alba)

Resembles little Egret but is much larger about the same size as the Grey Heron. Homeland in Europe is the Balkans but is slowly spreading northwards.

Cranes (Gruidae)

Cranes are tall,elegant birds living on dry land and in marshes.

Common Crane (Grus grus)

The Crane is on the Amber species list-Medium conservation concern.

The crane is a huge, graceful, mainly grey bird with long legs, a long neck and drooping, curved tail feathers. Small numbers pass through Britain in spring and autumn, and there is a tiny breeding population in eastern England.

Told from Storks andHerons by bushy tail

Spoonbills and Ibises (Threskiovnithidae)

Ibises are somewhat heron-like but have shorter necks, rounder heads and more slender, curved bills.

Spoonbills are characterised by their flattened bills with spatulate tips which are swept from side to side, partly open, through shallow water to detect food.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Visitor from Southern Europe

Kingfisher (Alcedinidae)

Colourfull and spectacular bird of the river bank

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

The Kingfisher has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A brilliant small bird with a large head and a short tail.Found near still or slowing-flowing water.Catches small fish by plunge-diving, the nest is in an underground chamber at the end of a tunnel which is dug by both parents.

Swallows and Martins (Hirundinidae)

Swallows and Martins fly very fast, often near the ground, twisting and turning in the air as they chase insects. Unlike Swifts which cannot perch, flocks of Swallows and Martins often perch on telegraph wires, especially when they are about to migrate.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

The Sand Martin is a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

A summer visitor to much of europe, returns in early spring to feed on insects which catches in flight often over water.It nests in burrows which it digs for itself in river banks and sandy cliffs.

Dippers (Cinclidae)

Dippers are unusual perching birds becouse they are water birds. They can swim and dive, and may even walk along the bottom of a stream to look for small freshwater animals. Only one species found in Europe

Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)

A uniquely adapted bird which depends on fast flowing upland rivers. It feeds on aquatic insects and their larvae which it catches by swimming or diving.It feeds while submereged and regularly walks on river beds. Builds a domed nest in a natural or man made cavity.

Warblers (Sylviidae)

Warblers are small birds that flit about among trees,bushes and reeds, restlessly searching for insects to eat.They are named after their warbling songs, which vary widely from one species to another.

Cettis Warbler (Cettia cetti)

This south European species has spread north and into the southern part of the UK. It is secretive but has a distinctive song. Feeds on insects and lives in dense bushes in marshes or near rivers.

Pipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)

Pipits and Wagtails are small birds that spend most of their time on the ground in search of insects.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

The Grey Wagtail has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

Found near fast flowing water, with rocks and perches,ledges for nesting.Often nests in uplands by mountain streams and moves to lower waters in winter.It feeds on insects which it picks from the ground, from water or in flight. The nest is in a crevice.

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrelli)

An adaptable species found near rivers,canals and lakes but also often some distance from water.Runs or flies to catch insects. Nests in a hole or crevice.

White Wagtail (motacilla alba alba)

Continental subspecies of the Pied Wagtail.

© Simon Thurgood 2010
Images on this website may not be put as any part of any collection without any prior written permission.