
This dabbling duck is recognized in all plumages by its smallish bill, blocky head shape, and white speculum. Male: Brownish-gray overall, with some chestnut and black patterning on the wing coverts. The rump and undertail coverts are jet black, and are especially noticeable when the bird is tipped up while feeding. The head and neck are lighter than the breast, which shows a scalloped or scaly pattern. The belly is white. The bill is slate gray, and the feet are yellow. In Summer and early Fall adult males assume a cryptic female-like appearance. Female: Buffy brown with extensive dark mottling. Belly is white. Bill is orange-yellow with a large dark area on the top and small dark spots along the sides. Bill pattern and conspicuous white speculum set this species apart from similar females of other species.
Length: 48 (cm) Wingspan: 79 (cm)
Voice:
Various quacks and chattering, less robust than Mallard.
Habitat:
Nests in short grassland and tundra habitats. In migration and winter, uses a wide variety of freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds.
Behavior:
Often flocks with American Wigeon and American Coot on wintering grounds. Known to steal food from coots.
Feeding:
Dabbles for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
Field Notes
As stated above, Gadwalls of either sex really do have a squared forehead--as if they have a bad case of "hat head." This profile is sometimes useful in poor light or at a great distance. The call of the drake is a clear, tenor, well-projected "bek," given singly (though commonly in loose series) with a noticeable short-E vowel tone. Once you learn this, you can "day-list" Gadwall readily while birding a thick marsh without seeing one. The descending quack-series of the hen sounds an awful lot like that of a Mallard, but on my better days I think I can distinguish them. In the West, broods of Gadwall tend to become evident a few weeks later than those of Mallard.
Citation: Personal Experience. I observe this regularly, highly confident.
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
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09/25/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
09/18/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
09/11/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
09/11/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
09/04/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
09/04/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/28/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/28/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/28/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/21/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/21/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/14/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/14/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/07/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
08/07/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|
Jacob Parks added Gadwall to their Smith and Bybee Lakes smart list | 11/02/2011 at 1:42AM |
David Fix added a note to Gadwall Notes | 7/02/2011 at 11:51PM |
Dave Irons added Gadwall to their Lakewood Bay, Lake Oswego, Oregon smart list | 4/14/2011 at 8:15AM |