Fauna
Bird

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

Also known as Cricket Teal, Summer Teal, Garganey Teal

Garganeys are swift, nimble dabblers that burst directly into the air with a twisting, wader-like flight when startled. Breeding drakes showcase a prominent broad white crescent curving from above the eye down to the neck, accompanied by a dry, wooden rattling call often likened to a spinning cricket ratchet. Strictly migratory, these waterfowl undertake grueling long-distance journeys between temperate Palearctic breeding marshes and wintering wetlands across tropical Africa and southern Asia.

MigratoryWaterfowlWetland
Garganey reference1 / 6
(c) Audrey Whitlock, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic insects, Freshwater crustaceans, Submerged aquatic plants
Predators
  • Western Marsh Harrier
  • Red Fox
  • Peregrine Falcon
ThreatsWetland degradation, water diversion, unsustainable hunting along flyways
HabitatsShallow freshwater marshes, flooded grasslands, reedy lake margins
Life span8–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAnatidae
  2. SpeciesSpatula querquedula
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Field identification: Look for the male's striking white eye crescent and pale blue forewings in spring.
  • Listen carefully: Drakes produce a rapid, dry mechanical rattling whistle during courtship displays.
  • Viewing distance: Stay behind vegetation or bird blinds, as these ducks are easily flushed from open water.
Related species
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