Garganey

Anas querquedula

Other Pics: Female Garganey

Other Names

    Sarcelle d'été   Knäkente   Cerceta Carretona   Årta   Zomertaling   Marzaiola

World: Palearctic occurring mostly between 42°N and 65°N.

Kenya: Very common palearctic migrant from October to April. Occurs up to 3000m and forms significant sized flocks particularly at Lake Turkana and along the coast. It is most numerous in western and central Kenya including the Rift Valley.

Found in areas of sheltered shallow water with emergent vegetation, the Garganey is the most widespread palearctic duck in Kenya. The distinctive facial markings of the female (pictured above) make it difficult to confuse with any other duck. As with other "dabbling" ducks it has a mixed diet of aquatic insects, invertebrates and crustaceans along with fish, seeds, roots, grasses and tubers.