Garganey

Anas querquedula

Photo by Roland RIPOLL
Photographed: France

Distribution

Breeding species in much of Europe and Asia. The European population is most numerous in the east. Most if not all of the European birds are found in places like the Volga Delta in the fall and they vinter in western Africa (e.g., the Niger Delta), with possible occurrence in southern Sudan. The Garganey is quite nomadic in the winter areas, but even so, changes to the area as result of changes in resource utilization and global warming are expected to be the major cause of concern for the European populations of this species, which has shown moderate to strong negative trends during the period of 1970-2000.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species which is sometimes placed in its own genus Querquedula.

Habitat

Breeds inland, preferably on wet meadows, shallow freshwater marshes, small lakes and ponds. In winter in coastal marshes and lagoons, sometimes even at sea.

Behaviour

A shy and wary duck which is often found in pairs or small groups in summer, in winter in big concentrations (eg 77'000 in Senegal).
Starts breeding after arrival in breeding area in April and May. The nest is usually near water on ground, lined with down and feathers. Lays 8-9 eggs.
Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, seeds, fish and aquatic plants. Like other Anas Ducks, Garganeys feed dabbling, head-dipping and also picking from surface.

Bird Song

<flashmp3>Anas querquedula (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program

External Links

Search for photos of Garganey in the gallery

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages