The Garganey is a widespread dabbling duck of Europe and Asia. They are long-distance migrants in Eurasia, a trait which may contribute to the occasional sighting of the species in North America, where sightings have occurred in scattered locations across the continent. While the plumage is very different, Garganey are very similar ecologically to the Northern Shoveler of North America.
Habitat
During the summer breeding season, they are found in wetland habitats and shallow ponds and lakes, particularly those with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. They can also be found in flooded fields (and other flooded areas), and wet meadows. During migration and in the winter, they typically utilize similar habitat, but will inhabit a greater variety of aquatic habitats, including occasional stops and stays on brackish or coastal saltwater environments.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food items. Animal matter makes up a large portion of the diet during the breeding season, with food items including aquatic insects and their larvae, small crustaceans and mollusks, leeches, small fish, and tadpoles and tiny amphibians. They also feed on significant amounts of plant matter, especially in the winter, with food items including the seeds, roots, leaves, buds, and stems of a variety of aquatic plants and sometimes terrestrial grasses.
Behavior
Ecologically behaves very similar to North America's Northern Shoveler . They dabble at the water's surface, filtering water through comb-like structures in the beak to strain out food items.
Nesting
Uses grassy areas near water for breeding, with the nest consisting of a depression on the ground or in herbaceous vegetation. Nesting occurs either as isolated pairs or small, loose groups of breeding birds.
Migration
Strongly migratory. Garganey nest in large portions of Europe and Asia. They move to Africa, India, southeastern Asia, and Indonesia for the winter.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Garganey sightings
Similar Species
Males are distinctive in breeding plumage. In non-breeding plumage, they are similar to the Blue-winged Teal. , but facial patterns in the plumage are distinct.
Conservation Status
There are currently no perceived major threats to Garganey populations, and the IUCN cites it as a species of "Least Concern" .
Further Information
- eBird - Garganey
- Audubon Field Guide - Garganey
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Garganey
2) BirdWeb.org - Garganey
3) IUCN Red List - Garganey
Photo Information
Photo taken by K ev Chapman - Llicensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License
