Garganey
Scientific Name: Anas querquedulaMaltese Name: Sarsella Hamra
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Garganey, is a small dabbling duck. The adult male is unmistakable, with its brown head and breast with a broad white crescent over the eye. The rest of the plumage is grey, with loose grey scapular feathers It has a grey bill and legs. Some care is needed in separating the brown female from the similar Common Teal, but the stronger face markings are good indicators. It feeds on aquatic creatures along with a variety of plant material. Birds migrate to tropical Africa during August-September, returning in February-April. Some small flocks remain in Mediterranean sites in winter.
Status:
Common Migrant, especially in spring. Each year, a few of thousands of these birds are seen in both large and small flocks during migration with other ducks out at sea. Some singles spend some time at the reserves.
When to See:
Spring and Autumn.
Where to See:
In spring seen mainly from Cirkewwa during migration. In Autumn may be seen from any part of Malta's coast but mainly seen from the eastern coast.
Photographs:
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| Male Garganey, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Female Garganey, Simar Nature Reserve | Male Garganey, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Female Garganey, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Distant flock of migrating Garganeys in Spring, Cirkewwa |
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