gadwall

The Gadwall is a dabbling duck of the genus Mareca. It is a relatively common and widespread duck found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, with breeding populations in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are migratory, typically wintering in more southern regions.

Physically, the Gadwall is a medium-sized duck. Males, or drakes, exhibit a subtle beauty; they are mostly gray with fine black barring, a black rump, and a distinctive white speculum, a patch of iridescent white on the wing, which is visible in flight. Females, or ducks, are more cryptically colored, a mottled brown that provides excellent camouflage. Both sexes have a yellow bill with a black tip and lead-colored legs and feet.

Gadwalls prefer freshwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Their feeding behavior involves dabbling, tipping their heads underwater to forage.

The breeding season typically occurs in spring. Nests are usually built on the ground near water, often concealed within dense vegetation. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents may participate in protecting the young, though the female primarily incubates the eggs and cares for the ducklings. Gadwalls are generally not considered to be in decline, and their populations are considered stable in many areas. They are a popular species for birdwatchers and, in some regions, for hunting.