garganey

The Garganey (Anas querquedula), also known as Spatula querquedula, is a small, elegant dabbling duck that is highly migratory. Unlike many other European ducks, it is a strictly summer visitor, spending its winters in the warmer climates of Africa and southern Asia.

The Garganey is a small duck, measuring approximately 37-41 cm in length with a wingspan of 58-69 cm. The breeding male is unmistakable, featuring a chocolate-brown head with a broad, striking white crescent or stripe extending from the eye to the back of the neck. Females are more discreet, possessing a mottled brown plumage with a pale throat and a dark line through the eye, making them look similar to female Teals but with a more patterned face.

These birds favor shallow freshwater wetlands, including marshes, flooded meadows, and lakes with abundant floating and emergent vegetation. They prefer quiet, secluded areas where they can feed and rest undisturbed during their breeding season.

The Garganey is an omnivore. Its diet primarily consists of seeds, aquatic plants, insects, larvae, mollusks, and small crustaceans. They typically feed by dabbling and skimming the surface of the water rather than diving.

Breeding takes place in late spring. The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, lined with grass and down, usually hidden within dense vegetation or tall grass near the water's edge. A typical clutch consists of 8 to 11 creamy-colored eggs, which are incubated solely by the female.

Garganeys are known for their fast and direct flight. They are highly migratory and are often seen in small flocks. During the breeding season, the male makes a distinctive, dry rattling call that sounds like a wooden stick being drawn across a comb.

The Garganey is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many wetland species, they are vulnerable to the loss of habitat due to drainage of wetlands and changes in agricultural practices.

1. The Garganey is the only duck species that migrates entirely out of Europe to spend the winter in the tropics.
2. Its scientific name, 'querquedula', is an onomatopoeic reference to its unique rattling call.
3. During the winter months, they can form massive flocks in African wetlands, sometimes numbering in the thousands.

To spot a Garganey, visit freshwater marshes during the spring migration (March to May). Look for the male's bright white eye stripe, which is visible even from a distance. Because they are shy, using a bird hide or binoculars is highly recommended to observe them without causing a disturbance.

The Garganey is a remarkable traveler and a beautiful addition to any wetland ecosystem. Its unique appearance and long-distance migration make it a favorite sight for birdwatchers across Europe and Asia.