Gadwall
A common dabbling duck with a white speculum and quiet demeanor.
The gadwall (Mareca strepera) is a common dabbling duck found across a wide range. Carl Linnaeus first described it in 1758. Genetic research places it as a sister species to the falcated duck, and both are closely linked to the three wigeon species; all now belong to the genus Mareca. Two subspecies exist: the common gadwall (Mareca strepera strepera), the nominate form, and Coues's gadwall (M. s. couesi), which went extinct around 1874 and was once found only on Teraina, a Pacific coral atoll. The species name *strepera* means "noisy" in Late Latin. The origin of the word "gadwall" is unknown, though it has been used since 1666.
This duck measures 47–58 cm long with a wingspan of 78–85 cm. Males are slightly larger, averaging 990 grams, while females average 850 grams. Breeding males have gray plumage, a black rear, light chestnut wings, and a bright white speculum visible in flight or at rest. In eclipse plumage, the male resembles the female but keeps the male wing pattern, is usually grayer above, and has less orange on the bill. Females are light brown, similar to a female mallard, but can be told apart by a dark bill with an orange edge, smaller size, white speculum, and white belly. Both sexes molt twice yearly after a juvenile molt. The gadwall is generally quiet except during courtship. Females make a high-pitched call like a mallard’s quack, transcribed as *gag-ag-ag-ag*. Males produce a grunt (*mep*) and a whistle.
The gadwall breeds in northern Europe, across the Palearctic, and in central North America. In North America, its breeding range runs along the Saint Lawrence River, through the Great Lakes, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Dakotas, south to Kansas, west to California, and along coastal Pacific Canada and southern Alaska. Its range appears to be expanding eastward. This dabbling duck is strongly migratory, wintering farther south—from coastal Alaska into Central America, and east to Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, Virginia, and south into Central America. In Great Britain, it is a scarce breeder and winter visitor, but its numbers have grown recently, likely due to introductions in England and colonization by continental birds breeding in Scotland. A small breeding population has recently established in Ireland, centered on County Wexford and Lough Neagh. It also appears in parts of South Asia, especially southern India.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Mareca
- Species
- strepera
- Audio
- Mareca strepera - Gadwall XC436359.mp3
- Audio Caption
- Calls recorded in the Netherlands
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The gadwall breeds in northern Europe, across the Palearctic, and central North America, wintering farther south into Central America. In Great Britain it is a scarce-breeding bird and winter visitor, with population increases likely due to introductions and colonization. A small breeding population has recently become established in Ireland, centered on County Wexford and Lough Neagh. The gadwall is also seen in parts of South Asia, particularly southern India.
It inhabits open wetlands such as prairie or steppe lakes, wet grassland, or marshes with dense fringing vegetation. It feeds by dabbling for plant food with head submerged, can dive for food more proficiently than other dabbling ducks, and may steal food from diving birds like coots. It nests on the ground, often some distance from water, and tends to form only small flocks outside the breeding season.
Gadwalls are monogamous and may start breeding after their first year. Pair formation begins during fall migration or on breeding grounds, sometimes in August when males are in eclipse plumage. The female lays 7–12 eggs, incubation lasts 24–27 days, and nestlings leave after 1–2 days. Only one brood is raised per season.
Reader's Guide
The gadwall is a significant species in waterfowl ecology and conservation. Listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, its populations have increased approximately 2.5% over 49 years (1966–2010) and continue to grow. It is one of the most hunted duck species, ranking third after the mallard and green-winged teal, with 1.7 million shot annually. Sustainable hunting is supported by groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl Foundation in the United States and Canada. The species is also covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). Its expanding range in eastern North America and its adaptability to various wetland habitats underscore its resilience. The extinct subspecies Coues's gadwall (M. s. couesi), formerly found only on Teraina, a coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, highlights the vulnerability of island populations. The gadwall's quieter nature and distinctive white speculum make it a notable subject for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.
Did You Know?
- The specific name strepera is Late Latin for 'noisy', though the gadwall is generally a quieter duck.
- The etymology of the word 'gadwall' is not known, but the name has been in use since 1666.
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