Garganey
Spatula querquedula
Aves › Anseriformes › Anatidae › Spatula
Conservation status: least_concern
The garganey is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and across the Palearctic, but is strictly migratory, with the entire population moving to Africa, India, Bangladesh and Australasia during the winter of the Northern hemisphere, where large flocks can occur. This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Like other small ducks such as the Eurasian teal, this species rises easily from the water with a fast twisting wader-like flight.
How To Identify
The Garganey is a medium-sized dabbling duck characterized by its glossy, teal plumage and compact body structure. Males are often easier to distinguish due to distinct head markings and contrasting wing patterns visible in flight.
Habitat
Garganeys inhabit shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and temporary pools across temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with wintering grounds in Africa and Asia.
Behaviour
Unlike most dabbling ducks, Garganeys frequently dive to feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, blurring the line between dabbling and diving duck behaviors.
Did You Know?
Male Garganeys produce a distinctive rattling call during courtship that sounds like a mechanical cricket, and they perform elaborate head-bobbing displays to attract females. These small dabbling ducks are among the most agile fliers in the duck world.
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