Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Gadwall, Anas strepera

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 20.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Shallow lakes, marshes

The gadwall is a buoyant, plain-colored dabbling duck with a steep forehead and a somewhat angular head. The breeding male is grayish overall with very fine variegation and barring. The rump and undertail coverts are black, the scapulars are light orange brown, the tertials are gray, and the head is lighter below the eye and darker above. Females and nonbreeding males are a mottled brown with few distinguishing markings. In flight there is a distinctive white speculum (inner wing patch) that is most prominent in males. Gadwalls dabble or dive for a variety of aquatic plants and invertebrates and often gather in large flocks away from the shore. The breeding female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.