Medium-sized duck (51 cm, 550–1000 g).
In silhouette, very similar to the mallard, but smaller in size. The underwing coverts, like the mallard, are white.
In flight, the white of the wing speculum is clearly visible, and the belly is lighter than in the mallard.
Hunted almost throughout the season, especially in August–September.
At the beginning of the season, the age of the garganey is determined by the tail feathers — young birds have tail feathers with notched edges, older birds have pointed feathers.
Sex can often be determined by the bill (females have small black spots on the bill), but this feature is not always visible. Males have a distinct brown patch on the shoulder stripe.
Updated: 13.01.2026