Gadwall

Mareca strepera

Family: Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Status: Vagrant · Size: 46–56 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across northern temperate Europe, Asia and North America, wintering to southern Europe, northern Africa, Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, Korea, Japan, mainland Southeast Asia, Central America and southern North America.

Identification

Male has vermiculated grey plumage with buff edges to scapulars, sharply contrasting black vent, and a black bill. Female brown-grey instead, with dark markings on the back and flanks, grey head with dark eyestripe, and black bill with orange sides. Non-breeding male shares attributes of breeding male and female, often with more densely vermiculated plumage and traces of black on vent. Both sexes show a white speculum in flight, more restricted in the female.

Habitat

Rivers and marshes, among other freshwater wetland habitats, and occasionally brackish lagoons.

Behaviour

Often keeps close to waterside vegetation when feeding.