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Garganey Spatula querquedula

A small summer visitor duck with a large white eyebrow.

All about Summer teal

Features & Description

The Garganey, from the Latin name Spatula querquedula, is a small, surface duck typically recognized by its broad white band above the eye, ending in a comma on the nape of the neck. The breast is brown and pigmented, the flanks pale gray.

Habitat (Biotope)

Predominantly a resident of open ponds and lakes, this duck has a predilection for marshy areas with quiet, open water.

Behavior & habits

This is the only duck species to leave the continent altogether in winter. There are between 250 and 350 pairs, mainly in the Loire and Gironde regions. Returning to the lake from February onwards, this duck is very discreet.

Reproduction and immature

The Garganey nests in grassy, downy pools among the rushes. Around ten eggs are laid, taking around twenty days to hatch. As soon as they are born, the ducklings leave the nest and take refuge in the water. After 2 months, they are able to fly.

Cry or Voice

Males emit a characteristic dry, prolonged kestrel noise of slightly varying pitch, “prrirrérrirr”. Females are very quiet, making only small cackling sounds.

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