Gadwall

The Gadwall (Mareca strepera) is a common and widespread dabbling duck, belonging to the family Anatidae. It is a medium-sized bird, with males slightly larger than females. The breeding male is a study in understated elegance, with a patterned grey body, a black rear end, and light chestnut wings. A brilliant white speculum is a striking feature, visible both in flight and at rest. Females are light brown, resembling female mallards but can be distinguished by their dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, and the white speculum and belly.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Gadwall, look for the male's black rear end and white speculum during the breeding season. In eclipse plumage, the drake resembles the female but retains the male wing pattern and is generally greyer with less orange on the bill. The female Gadwall can be recognized by her light brown plumage, white belly, and the distinct white speculum, which contrasts with her otherwise mallard-like appearance.

Habitat

Gadwalls favor open wetlands, such as prairie or steppe lakes, wet grasslands, or marshes with dense fringing vegetation. They are often found dabbling for plant food with their heads submerged or diving for food more proficiently than other dabbling ducks.

Distribution

This species breeds in the northern regions of Europe and across the Palearctic, as well as central North America. Its range is expanding into eastern North America. During the winter, Gadwalls migrate south, reaching as far as Central America.

Behaviour

Gadwalls are less gregarious than some dabbling ducks outside the breeding season, often forming only small flocks. They are monogamous and may breed after their first year. The species is generally quiet, with females emitting a high-pitched quack and males producing a grunt or whistle during courtship displays.

Song & Calls

The female Gadwall's call is a higher-pitched version of the female mallard's quack, while the male emits a grunt and a whistle during courtship.

Breeding

Gadwalls nest on the ground, often at some distance from water. They are monogamous, with pair formation beginning in the fall migration or on breeding grounds. Courtship displays involve vocalizations and physical movements, such as the male's "burp" and "grunt-whistle."

Diet and Feeding

Young Gadwalls initially feed on insects, while adults consume a mix of plant material, molluscs, and insects during the nesting season. They are known to dabble for food and may steal from diving birds like coots.

Conservation Status

The Gadwall is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Populations have been increasing, and the species is sustainably hunted in North America, thanks to conservation efforts by organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and the Delta Waterfowl Foundation.