The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a dull coloured dabbler. The grey-coloured drake displays a black rump, a white belly, a white alar speculum bordered with black and red, and a grey beak. The female is similar to the mallard, but smaller in size and has an orange sided beak and a white belly.
In Canada, this species is observed from west to east and it can also be seen in the north of the United States. It winters from the north to the south of the United States and as far as Mexico. The gadwall lives in deep water bodies (ponds, lakes, marshes) where vegetation is very fertile and where rivers and flat rivers have a slow flow. It mostly eats plants and aquatic vegetation, but during the laying period, small vertebrates and invertebrates are added to the usual menu.
The gadwall builds its nest in thick vegetation on the ground and close to water. The nest is composed of leaves and down. The female lays 8 to 11 eggs which will be sat on 24 to 26 days. The ducklings leave the nest 45 days after they have hatched, and the next year they will also be ready for their first nesting. The female lays only one brood a year. However, if this one is destroyed, it will be able to bear a second.XSign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
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