Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Other references:
B138

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B95, B96, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2, B129.
D1, D8

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Earthkind
• The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

• Waterfowl Management Guidelines
• Proceedings of the Waterfowl Information Network Conference 1999
• Wetlands, Industry and Wildlife
• London Waterfowl Project FAQ's
• The Electronic Library: further reading for "Wildlife: Oil Spill Response"

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Garganey are hardy, but shelters and/or good ground cover should be provided for protection in prolonged /severe frost. These ducks are easy to manage, and suitable for mixed collections but are quiet and may be bullied. Feed as other Dabbling Ducks: wheat, pellets, greenfood, grass, bread.
• These ducks are shy and somewhat difficult to breed. Dense cover and seclusion, without competition, should be provided. Nest in areas of grass or low-growing plants at a distance from water, lay April to May, with replacement clutches sometimes laid as late as June if the eggs are removed. They are very sensitive to disturbance while sitting and broody or artificial incubation is suggested. Ducklings are not difficult to rear; they start feeding easily, but need care and protection when young. Starter crumbs with greenfood such as duckweed may be fed.
• This species may hybridise with Anas species, Aythya species; they should be kept separated from the closely-related Anas discors - Blue-winged teal and Anas cyanoptera - Cinnamon teal. Hybrids also reported with Aix sponsa - Wood duck.

(B29, B31, B40, B94, B95, B96, B97,B128.w2, B129).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: G 7.0mm (D8).

• Accommodation of Casualty Waterfowl
• Rearing of Birds - Artificial Rearing - Waterfowl considerations
• Catching and Handling of Waterfowl
• Feeding of Casualty Waterfowl
• Release of Casualty Waterfowl
• See also: Oil Spill: Species Identification and Special Considerations

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wing grey, with primaries darker than coverts, broad white tips to greater coverts, secondaries dark green with white tips.

Eclipse: similar to females but redder, with whiter throat, more streaking on head; wing as before.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Independent about time of fledging.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Palearctic: across Europe and Asia, mainly from 42º North - 65º North.

• In London: In the London Area, "scarce passage migrant, rare in winter, very occasional breeder." (J322.65.w1)

Migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, Indian sub-continent, South-east Asia (southern China, Malaysia, Borneo, and the Philippines).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Common to abundant (B1).

• This species is listed on Schedule 1 - Part I (Birds protected by special penalties: Notes on the revised schedules state "Birds protected by special penalties at all times") of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)

Captive Populations

Trade