Gadwall

Overview

The gadwall, Mareca strepera, is a common and widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae. It is a strongly migratory species that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, the Palearctic, and central North America before wintering further south.

Identification

• Breeding males are patterned grey with a black rear end, light chestnut wings, and a brilliant white speculum.
• Females are light brown, resembling female mallards but distinguishable by their dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, white speculum, and white belly.
• The bird is 47–58 cm long with a wingspan of 78–85 cm, with males slightly larger than females.
• Generally quiet, except during courtship; females call 'gag-ag-ag-ag' while males produce a grunt ('mep') and whistle.

Habitat

Gadwalls inhabit open wetlands such as prairie or steppe lakes, wet grassland, and marshes with dense fringing vegetation. Their breeding range covers northern Europe, the Palearctic, and central North America, while they migrate to winter in coastal Alaska, Central America, and parts of eastern North America. In Great Britain, they are a scarce breeder and winter visitor, with populations increasing in recent years.

Diet

They usually feed by dabbling for plant food with their head submerged. They can also dive underwater for food more proficiently than other dabbling ducks and may steal food from diving birds such as coots.

Did you know?

The gadwall is one of the most heavily hunted duck species, ranking third only to the mallard and green-winged teal, with an estimated 1.7 million birds shot annually.