Latin name

Anas querquedula

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Where to see them

Mostly found in central and southern England. It favours shallow wetlands, with flooded meadows and ditches, and plenty of aquatic vegetation - this can make it difficult to see.

When to see them

Breeding birds arrive from March and return from July. Small numbers of non-breeding birds visit on passage migration in spring and autumn.

What they eat

Plant material and insects.

Population

In the UK

Scattered across England, Wales and S Scotland.

Garganey (female)

• Colouring: Female
• Size: between pigeon-mallard
• Feather colours: brown, black, white, blue, grey, cream/buff, green
• Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff
• Beak length: long
• Beak thickness: long
• Beak shape: long
• Leg colour: black/grey
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

Garganey (male)

• Colouring: Male
• Size: between pigeon-mallard
• Feather colours: brown, black, white, blue, grey, cream/buff, green
• Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff
• Beak length: long
• Beak thickness: long
• Beak shape: long
• Leg colour: black/grey, brown
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

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  Teal