Garganey

Scientific name: Spatula querquedula

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males display a distinctive white eyebrow stripe contrasting with rich chestnut-brown head, grey flanks, and white breast; females are mottled grey-brown with a pale eyebrow. Both sexes show pale blue-grey shoulders in flight.

Size and weight

Males 37–41 cm, 330–400 g; females 35–39 cm, 280–350 g. Males notably heavier and bulkier than females.

Habitat

Garganey favor shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and temporary pools with emergent vegetation and open water. They prefer lowland areas from sea level to moderate elevations, thriving in both managed and natural wetland systems.

Distribution

Breeds across temperate and boreal Eurasia from the Atlantic to the Pacific; winters in Africa, southern Europe, and southern Asia. Favors well-vegetated shallow wetlands with adjacent feeding areas.

Diet

Dabbling feeder consuming aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and vegetation; emphasizes small crustaceans, chironomid larvae, and aquatic plant material during breeding season.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious outside breeding season, forming flocks on open water; males are vocal and responsive to calls. Crepuscular feeders, most active at dawn and dusk; migratory populations show rapid directional flight.

Hunting tips

Look for dabbling sign—droppings concentrated at roosting margins and feeding trails through marsh vegetation. Approach quietly from downwind through taller reed beds; these ducks flush readily, so patience and concealment near flight lines are critical. Early morning and late afternoon movements between roost and feeding areas offer optimal approach windows.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 6 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.