Species Spotlight: Garganey Teal

This week’s featured species is the Garganey Teal (Spatula querquedula, formerly Anas querquedula), a small dabbling duck that is native to Europe and western Asia. They breed in wetland and lake habitats. Their entire population migrates south to Africa, India, and Australia. The drakes of this species have a mostly brown and grey plumage, but they also have unmistakable features. Starting above the eye is a white crescent that extends to the back of the head. Their flanks are a greyish-blue color, and above them are are black and grey striped scapulars. The hens are predominantly brown and grey, similar in appearance to other species of teal like Blue-Winged Teal. Both sexes have a blue wing patch.

Garganey Teal have an extensive range. Although they suffer from threats such as habitat loss, they do not exhibit any trends that would classify them as a Vulnerable Species; therefore, they are considered Least Concern. In the sphere of captivity, Garganey Teal are kept and bred, but they are not as popular as some of their other teal counterparts. Personally, I think this species is gorgeous, and the crackling sounds that the drakes make are neat.