The garganey is a scarce and very secretive breeding duck in the UK. It is smaller than a mallard and slightly bigger than a teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye. In flight it shows a pale blue forewing. It feeds by 'dabbling'.
Key ID Features:
A small, colourful duck, often seen in small numbers with teal and shoveler.
The male's prominent white stripe over the eye is distinctive in spring.
Overview
Scientific name: Anas querquedula
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Mostly found in central and southern England. It favours shallow wetlands, with flooded meadows and ditches, and plenty of aquatic vegetation - this can make it difficult to see.
Seen in UK:
Breeding birds arrive from March and return from July. Small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn.
What they eat
Plant material and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
