Garganey

Spatula querquedula

The garganey (Spatula querquedula) is a small dabbling duck.

Family: Anatidae Order: Anseriformes Conservation: Least Concern
Garganey

About the Garganey

The garganey (Spatula querquedula) is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and across the Palearctic, but is strictly migratory, with the entire population moving to Africa, India (in particular Santragachi), Bangladesh (in the natural reservoirs of Sylhet district) and Australasia during the winter of the Northern hemisphere, where large flocks can occur. This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Like other small ducks such as the Eurasian teal, this species rises easily from the water with a fast twisting wader-like flight. Their breeding habitat is grassland adjacent to shallow marshes and steppe lakes.

Fun Facts About Garganey

  • This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.
  • Their breeding habitat is grassland adjacent to shallow marshes and steppe lakes.
  • It breeds in much of Europe and across the Palearctic, but is strictly migratory, with the entire population moving to Africa, India (in particular Santragachi), Bangladesh (in the natural reservoirs of Sylhet district) and Australasia during the winter of the Northern hemisphere, where large flocks can occur.

Conservation Status

The Garganey is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae
GenusSpatula
SpeciesSpatula querquedula

Range & Habitat

Range map of Garganey

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Related Species

Other species in the Anatidae family: