Gadwall Bird Details
Mareca strepera
Gadwall,Grey Duck;
Gadwall
Linnaeus (1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Mareca
- Northern Hemisphere, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, China, and Japan.
- India (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) and Chilika Lake(Winter Visitor)).
Appearance :
The breeding male has a mainly grey body, white belly, and black rear end. The wings are distinctive with white, chestnut, and black patches. The head is light brown. Resembles a female Mallard with mottled brown plumage, but is more uniform and less streaky. Both sexes have a thin, black bill and orange legs.
Behaviour :
Gadwalls are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed primarily on the surface of the water or just below it, rather than diving. Generally quiet, they are more subdued than other ducks in terms of vocalization. The males have a distinctive "raeb-raeb" call. They are often seen in small flocks but can also be found in larger groups during migration.
Habitat :
Gadwalls prefer freshwater wetlands such as marshes, lakes, and ponds with plenty of vegetation. They are also found in estuaries, coastal wetlands, and reservoirs.
Diet :
Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, but they also feed on small invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans. They often forage in shallow waters.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Gadwalls have a widespread distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are migratory birds, with northern populations moving south during the winter.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be in the millions, with a stable trend.
Life Span :
Average lifespan in the wild is about 10-12 years
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Gadwalls are medium-sized dabbling ducks with a streamlined body, designed for surface feeding and quick flight.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.5–4.5 cm (varies slightly depending on the bird's size).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Males have a light brown head with subtle gray patterns. The females have a more mottled brown head similar to a female Mallard.
- Bill: Males have a dark gray to blackish bill, while females have an orange-edged bill with dark centers.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4-4.5 cm.
Length :
Around 46–56 cm (18–22 inches) from bill to tail.
Neck :
Moderately long and slim, typical of dabbling ducks, allowing for ease in foraging.
Size :
Medium-sized duck, smaller than the Mallard but larger than the Teal.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and slightly pointed.
- Tail Length: Approximately 7-8 cm.
- Feathers: Males have distinctive grayish-brown feathers, and their breeding plumage includes black under tail feathers with chestnut and white patches on the wings. Females have mottled brown feathers.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 600 to 1000 grams (1.3 to 2.2 pounds).
Wing :
The wings are pointed and long for their size, designed for quick, agile flight.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 78 to 90 cm (30–36 inches).
Facial Feature :
Subtle features, with a rounded head and smooth transition between the bill and face. Males have less distinctive markings on the head compared to many other duck species.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually located on the ground near water, concealed by vegetation.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is a shallow depression lined with plant materials and down feathers plucked from the female’s breast.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season varies by region but typically starts from late April to early June in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nesting Season :
Typically from May to July, with regional variations based on climate.
Egg Color :
Eggs are typically creamy white to pale buff.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5.0–5.5 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3.5–4.0 cm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 45–55 grams.
Clutch Size :
7 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically, one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 24–27 days, with the female solely responsible for incubation.
Nestling Period :
Gadwall ducklings leave the nest within a day of hatching.
Vocalization :
Males are relatively quiet, often emitting a low-pitched "raeb-raeb" call. Females make quacking sounds similar to a Mallard but softer.
Sex Demorphism :
Present but subtle. Males have more striking patterns with gray and black plumage and distinct wing markings, while females are more uniformly brown with less pronounced wing markings.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Gadwalls are migratory birds, with northern populations moving to southern regions in winter. Migration is typically triggered by temperature changes and food availability.
- Migration Period: Autumn migration occurs from September to November. Spring migration usually begins from March to May.
- Migration Route: Northern European populations migrate to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. North American populations migrate from Canada and the northern United States to the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America.