Garganey Bird Details
Spatula querquedula
Garganey,Common Garganey, Eurasian Garganey;
Garganey
Carl Linnaeus (1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Spatula
- Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
- India(Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan)
Appearance :
Males are easily recognizable by their distinctive chestnut-brown head with a white stripe running down the side, a greyish body, and a pale blue wing patch. Females are mottled brown and more cryptic in appearance.
Behaviour :
Garganeys are social birds, often found in pairs or small groups. They are generally shy and tend to be wary of human presence.
Habitat :
They prefer shallow freshwater marshes, ponds, and wetlands, often with dense vegetation.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Garganeys breed across Europe and Asia, migrating to Africa and South Asia for the winter.
Population Size :
Estimated population sizes vary, but they are generally found in the hundreds of thousands across their range.
Life Span :
The average lifespan in the wild is about 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Garganey has a compact, slender body, measuring about 34-38 cm in length. Males are more vividly colored than females.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cm long.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a distinctive chestnut-brown head with a white stripe running from the eye to the back of the head. Females have a more uniform mottled brown head.
- Bill: The bill is wide and flat, typical of dabbling ducks.
- Bill Length: About 3.5 to 4.5 cm long.
Length :
Typically ranges from 34 to 38 cm in length.
Neck :
The neck is short, providing a compact silhouette.
Size :
Males are usually slightly larger than females but both exhibit a similar body shape.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and slightly pointed.
- Tail Length: Approximately 6 to 8 cm long.
- Feathers: Males display bright, patterned plumage with a striking combination of brown, grey, and white. Females are mottled brown and designed for camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 300 to 500 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, allowing for swift flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 65 to 75 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a prominent white stripe on their heads, contrasting with their chestnut-brown head. Females have a more cryptic, mottled appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Garganeys build their nests on the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation near water bodies.
- Nest made up of: Nests are constructed using grasses, reeds, and down feathers for insulation and protection.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from April to June.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season usually falls within the late spring to early summer months.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale olive or buff in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4 to 5 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3 to 4 cm wide.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 30 to 40 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch sizes usually range from 6 to 10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, Garganeys raise one brood per season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 25 to 28 days
Nestling Period :
The ducklings are precocial, meaning they are capable of leaving the nest shortly after hatching.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations include a variety of soft whistles and quacks.
Sex Demorphism :
Yes, there is significant sexual dimorphism; males are brightly colored with distinct patterns, while females are predominantly brown for camouflage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Garganeys are migratory birds, moving from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to wintering areas in Africa and parts of South Asia.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the autumn when they fly south and returns in spring for breeding.
- Migration Route: They primarily migrate along flyways that include river valleys and coastal regions.