Description
Gadwalls are
medium-sized ducks characterized by a general lack of bright coloration. Males are
gray-brown, with a white belly, black rump, and black bill. Females are similar to males,
but with a mottled brown appearance and yellowish bill with dark spots. Both sexes are
distinguishable from other ducks by the presence of a white speculum, most visible in
flight.
Average length:
M 21", F 19"
Average weight:
M 2.0 lbs., F 1.8 lbs.
Migrating and Wintering
Gadwalls are
distributed throughout the southern two-thirds of the US in winter, with the greatest
concentrations found in the Central and Mississippi flyways. They are found throughout
much of the intermountain west, and most of Mexico, in reservoirs, farm ponds, and coastal
fresh and brackish marshes. Aquatic vegetation makes up the majority of this duck's diet.
As a result, gadwalls can be found feeding far from the shoreline, in deeper water than
most other dabbling ducks. They are often found in association with American wigeon and
American coots.
Breeding
Gadwalls breed near
seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands, mainly in the shortgrass, tallgrass, and mixed
prairie regions of the United States and Canada. Substantial numbers also breed in wetland
habitats of the Great Basin. Gadwalls tend to begin breeding later than most ducks. |
