gadwall duck
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is Gadwall, while its scientific name is Mareca strepera.
2. Appearance
The Gadwall duck is a delicately patterned species of wildfowl. Males have a grayish body with brown speckles and they proudly display a glossy black rump with a distinct white patch on the back part of their wings. Their beak is slate gray while their legs and feet are yellow. They have an iris of amber color which lends an intense look. Females, on the other hand, are not as colorful as males. They exhibit light brown plumage with a slightly darker brown bill and yellowish-brown legs.
3. Size
Typically, the Gadwall males and females fall within the same size range. They measure about 46-56 centimeters or 18.1-22 inches in length. The average wingspan is between 78 and 90 centimeters or roughly 30.7-35.4 inches. The Gadwall duck’s weight generally falls between 500 to 1200 grams, or around 1.1 to 2.6 pounds.
4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. You can find them in North America, Europe, and Asia. In the winter months, some populations migrate south and can be found stretching as far as Central America, North Africa and South Asia. Preferred habitats for the Gadwall include marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, and wetlands where they can dabble for food.
5. Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Gadwall duck. Firstly, while other ducks vocalize with a quack, the Gadwall produces a unique short, nasal call. Secondly, these ducks are adaptable nesters, using vegetation, holes, or abandoned nests from other species. Thirdly, males perform a spectacular courting display, including mock-drinking and head-tossing to attract females.
6. Diet
The Gadwall generally feeds on plant material including seeds, leaves, stems, and roots of aquatic vegetation. They also consume some insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and small fishes.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Gadwalls are typically quiet ducks. Males emit short, hoarse nasal calls, especially in social or courtship contexts. Females have a soft quack. These ducks are notorious for being unobtrusive, favoring to quietly feed and rest without drawing attention. They are also known for “stealing” food from other duck species.
8. Conservation Status
Luckily, the Gadwall duck is currently of Least Concern, according to the IUCN Red List. They are among the few duck species that have benefited from human changes to the environment.
9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Gadwall duck in the wild is 10 to 15 years. There are reported cases of some individuals living up to 20 years in captive care.
10. Additional Notes
The Gadwall is locally known as Chireta in Spain and Canard chipeau in France.
They often interact with humans in public parks or ponds, sometimes even accepting handouts.
In an ecosystem, they play an essential role in controlling aquatic plant growth and providing food for predators.
In conclusion, the Gadwall duck, while not as overtly colorful as some other waterfowl, serves as a great example of understated beauty and adaptability in the avian world.
