Wildlifeof Vietnam
Garganey
Ducks, Geese & Grebes
Photo: Dave · CC BY 4.0
Spatula querquedula
Rare visitor: recorded only occasionally in this country
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds and leaves of aquatic plants, insects, molluscs and crustaceans
Habitat
Shallow marshes and steppe lakes with grassy margins
Range
Breeds across Europe and northern Asia; winters in Africa and southern Asia
Clutch size
Usually 8–11 eggs
Incubation period
About 21–23 days
Size
37–41cm
The garganey is a small dabbling duck 37–41 cm long. A breeding male has a broad white crescent sweeping back above the eye, a brown head and chest, grey flanks and long black-and-white scapular feathers. Females are mottled brown and resemble other small ducks but show a stronger facial pattern. Its rapid twisting flight and dry rattling call are useful field clues (Wikipedia, general species account).
It breeds beside shallow marshes and steppe lakes across Europe and northern Asia, then the entire population migrates south to winter in Africa and southern Asia, including Vietnam. Birds dabble or skim the surface for aquatic seeds, leaves, insects, molluscs and crustaceans, often feeding at dusk. The female hides a down-lined ground nest in grass close to water, laying eight to eleven eggs and incubating them for about 21–23 days (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What does the Garganey eat?
- Seeds and leaves of aquatic plants, insects, molluscs and crustaceans
- What habitat does the Garganey live in?
- Shallow marshes and steppe lakes with grassy margins
- Where is the Garganey found?
- Breeds across Europe and northern Asia; winters in Africa and southern Asia
- How many eggs does the Garganey lay?
- Usually 8–11 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the Garganey incubated?
- About 21–23 days
- How big is the Garganey?
- 37–41cm