Garganey

Spatula querquedula

The Garganey is a small, elegant dabbling duck with striking breeding plumage. Males have a distinctive pattern of bold white stripes on their head and a rich chestnut body, while females are more subtly marked with mottled brown plumage. During the breeding season, Garganeys can be found in wetlands and marshes across Europe and western Asia. They are known for their secretive nature and are often seen in pairs or small groups. These ducks migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia for the winter, where they inhabit shallow freshwater habitats. Garganeys are primarily insectivorous, foraging for aquatic invertebrates and seeds in the water. They are known for their distinctive call, a series of whistling notes.

Habitat: Wetlands and marshes