Latin name

Anas querquedula

Family

(Anatidae)

Overview

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'.

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.

When to see them

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.

This text was provided with kind permission from the RSPB www.rspb.org.uk