About the Gadwall
The gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The gadwall is 47–58 cm (19–23 in) long with a 78–85 cm (31–33 in) wingspan. The male is slightly larger than the female, weighing on average 990 g (35 oz) against her 850 g (30 oz). The breeding male is patterned grey, with a black rear end, light chestnut wings, and a brilliant white speculum, obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake looks more like the female, but retains the male wing pattern, and is usually greyer above and has less orange on the bill. The female is light brown, with plumage much like a female mallard.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Gadwall sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, Guadeloupe, Turkmenistan, Cape Verde, Antigua & Barbuda.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
American WigeonMareca americanaThe American wigeon is a medium-sized bird; it is larger than a teal but smaller than a pintail.
Eurasian WigeonMareca penelopeThis dabbling duck is 42–52 cm (17–20 in) long with a 71–80 cm (28–31 in) wingspan, and a weight of 500–1,073 g (1–2 lb).
Chiloe WigeonMareca sibilatrixThe Chiloé wigeon has a body length of 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in) and a wingspan of 75 to 86 cm (30 to 34 in).
Side by side: American Wigeon vs Gadwall · Eurasian Wigeon vs Gadwall
Learn the Gadwall for real
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