Gadwall

Anas streperaOrder: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)
Gadwell Male Head Illustration

Head

  • Bill Shape: Spatulate
  • Eye color: Brown iris
  • Head Pattern: Eyeline, Capped, Plain, Streaked
  • Crown color: Gray
  • Forehead color: Brown
  • Nape Color: Brown
  • Throat color: White
  • Cere color:
Gadwall Male Body Illustration

Body

  • Length Range: 48-58 cm (19-23 in)
  • Weight: 998 g (35.2 oz)
  • Size: Size 4. Large (16 - 32 in)
  • Color: White, Brown, Black, Gray, Rufous or Rust
  • Underparts: White
  • Upperparts: Brown
  • Back Pattern: Scaled or Scalloped, Mottled
  • Belly Pattern: Solid
  • Breast Pattern: Scaled or Scalloped, Mottled
Gadwell Male Flight Illustration

Flight

  • Flight Pattern: Fast direct flight with rapid wing beats.
  • Wingspan Range: 79-91 cm (31-36 in)
  • Wing Shape: Tapered-Wings
  • Tail Shape: Pointed Tail
  • Tail Pattern: Solid
  • Upper Tail: Black
  • Under Tail: Black
  • Leg color: Brown
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Family Surface-feeding Duck (Anatidae)_blue
Species Anas strepera
Length19 - 23 Inches
Wingspan33.5 Inches

Gadwall

Gadwall: Large dabbling duck with finely barred gray body, black rump and undertail coverts, white belly, and rust-brown shoulders. Head and neck are gray-brown; bill is gray. Wings have black-bordered white speculum most visible in flight. Legs and feet are yellow. Fast direct flight.

● Song: "quack"

● Foraging & Feeding: Gadwall: Feeds on pondweeds, naiads, widgeon grass, watermilfoil, algae, seeds, and aquatic invertebrates; forages in deeper water than most other dabbling ducks.

● Breeding & nesting: Gadwall: Seven to fifteen creamy white eggs are laid in a nest made of grass and weeds, lined with down, and usually hidden in dense weeds or grass near water. Incubation ranges from 24 to 27 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Gadwall: Adult male in breeding plumage is unmistakable.

Flight Pattern

Fast direct flight with rapid wing beats.
Gadwall Male Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Gadwall: Breeds near seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands, mainly in the shortgrass, tallgrass, and mixed prairie regions of the U.S. and Canada. Spends winters in southern two-thirds of the U.S., with greatest concentrations found in the Central and Mississippi Flyways; also a common winter visitor to Guatemala. Preferred habitats include large, shallow ponds with lots of marsh plants.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationYes but uncommon
MigrationMigratory
Weight35.2 Ounces