Canal wildlife species

The diverse habitats along our canals and rivers provide homes for all kinds of wildlife. From the common mallard to the elusive kingfisher, what wildlife will you see?

Mammals

Mammals are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates that includes four-legged creatures, flying species and humans. Discover UK mammals that call our canals and rivers home. Learn what these beings eat, where they live and how to spot them.

Badger

One of Britain's largest wild animals, these striking creatures are nocturnal and shy of human contact

Bank vole

These speedy, reddish-brown creatures are our smallest voles

A Daubenton’s bat with short ears, brown fur, and a pale grey underside stretches grey wings in flight.

Bat

The only flying mammal, these fascinating animals sleep upside down and use echolocation

Brown rat

Intelligent and highly adaptable, these resourceful characters are happy in almost any habitat

Dormouse

These small rodents spend as much as three-quarters of the year asleep – and are known to snore

A russet orange fox stands alert amid scrubland, with water behind

Fox

An adaptable and highly cunning species, foxes are as common in cities as they are on our rural canals

Hedgehog

These iconic prickly mammals are well-loved in the UK and spend much of their lives asleep

Otter

Lithe swimmers and excellent hunters, otters are surprisingly common, but hard to spot

Polecat

These mustelids prefer to be alone and usually only come out at night

Stoat

Fierce and opportunistic predators, stoats are surprisingly multi-talented creatures

Water vole

This much-loved character is one of our most endangered species

Weasel

The world’s smallest carnivore, the weasel is a voracious hunter

Birds

There are around 640 different bird species in the UK. Our canals and rivers are home to a range of impressive birds of prey, elusive fishers and smaller garden birds.

Barn owl

With their heart-shaped face and pure white feathers, barn owls are one of our most treasured birds

A grey bird with a black cap on its head and an orange beak with matching legs stands on a wooden fence.

Common tern

The common tern is a noisy bird and highly defensive of its nest

A large black water bird with a hooked orange beak perches on a branch in the water with its wings stretched out to dry.

Cormorant

These prehistoric-looking birds are highly efficient fishermen

Heron

The grey heron is known for its motionless stance at the water's edge

Kestrel

Often seen suspended in mid-air, kestrels are expert hovering hunters

Kingfisher

The 'King of Fishers' is usually glimpsed as a sudden flash of glistening blue

Little egret

The little egret is a small, white bird that feeds on small fish and crustaceans

Waterfowl

Ducks, swans and geese are familiar favourites on our network. Learn about their habitats, what you can feed them and which rarer migratory species you might spot.

Canada goose

One of the most recognised geese in the UK, notorious for its loud honking noise

Coot

The common coot is a sociable bird that is abundant on our canals

Duck

There are 22 different species in the UK, from the recognisable mallard to the colourful mandarin

Two grebes perform a mating ritual by flaring the feathers around their necks.

Great crested grebe

Striking plumage and elaborate courtship make the great crested grebe a remarkable sight

A chestnut brown water bird with a small black beak and fluffy feathers.

Little grebe

This shy diving bird is our smallest grebe and very good at hiding among the watery vegetation

Moorhen

These familiar black birds are distinguished by their red beaks and yellow legs

Swan

These elegant birds have been romanticised since storytelling began

Reptiles & amphibians

Look out for the cold-blooded creatures that use our network for food, breeding and shelter.

Frog

These well-known amphibians are smooth and slippery masters of disguise

Grass snake

You might spot these sun-loving snakes basking on grassy banks on summer days

Newt

The smooth newt is the most common species, but the UK is home to two other species

Toad

With distinctive warty skin and an iconic call, toads are often found in tales of witchcraft

Invertebrates & insects

Explore the large and diverse group of invertebrates that rely on our canals and rivers. From important pollinators to recyclers, creepy crawlies are vital for biodiversity.