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.
Region
Europe and the Palearctic (breeding); sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to Southeast Asia (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds across temperate Europe and the western to central Palearctic in shallow freshwater wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation. In winter it moves to floodplains, marshes, rice paddies, seasonal pans, and slow backwaters in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southeast Asia. It favors low, gently sloping shorelines and vegetated margins that provide both cover and rich feeding. During migration, it uses a chain of stopover wetlands, often gathering in sizable flocks at productive sites.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The garganey is a small dabbling duck and one of the few European ducks that is wholly migratory, with virtually all birds leaving the breeding grounds each winter. Males in breeding plumage show a striking white eyebrow stripe, making them easy to identify at a distance. Their name and behavior reflect their preference for shallow wetlands, where they filter tiny invertebrates and seeds. The drake’s call is a distinctive rattling, clicking note often heard on spring territories.
Females
Spatula querquedula - MHNT
Temperament
wary and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
fast, twisting flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season and can gather in large numbers at rich wetlands during migration and winter. Pairs form in late winter to early spring; nests are shallow scrapes on the ground concealed in dense vegetation near water. The female incubates and leads the brood, while the male usually departs early in the breeding cycle.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The drake gives a distinctive dry, rattling, clicking call often rendered as a repeated ‘crick-crick’. Females have lower, softer quacks and grunts, used in close contact with brood or mate.
