Garganey (Anas querquedula)

There is nothing unusual about a duck being a migrant – many species commute between breeding and wintering grounds in different parts of Europe. But the Garganey has the distinction of being the only duck to visit our continent only in the summer, like a Cuckoo or a Swallow. It arrives in March, having already paired in its winter flocks in West Africa, and leaves in October, not yet fully out of its eclipse plumage. Interestingly Garganeys on southbound migration travel either through Spain or down the peninsula of Italy, but when they return, all seem to use the Italian route.

The Garganey is a small and retiring duck, found principally in freshwater marshes, especially those bordered by steppe or grassland. By habit it hugs the vegetation and can be difficult to observe, and it is also very shy, springing from the water at the slightest disturbance. It generally feeds by immersing its neck in the water, although it will pick from the surface, too, and occasionally up-ends. It feeds on both animal and plant matter.

When the males are displaying in communal courtship, they have a routine that is unique among dabbling ducks. They lean backwards so far that the crown touches their lower back and their bill points almost upwards and then, with a quick call sounding like a dry rattle, return to normal immediately. Presumably this routine shows off the males’ smart half-moon-shaped eyebrow to good effect.