Ducks, Swans, and Geese
Mareca strepera
The Gadwall is a widespread dabbling duck, often appearing subtly colored from a distance. Closer inspection reveals intricate patterns of gray, brown, and black, particularly on males. This adaptable species has seen a significant population increase in North America since the 1980s.
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
Intricately patterned gray body with a black rear, light chestnut on upper wings, and a brilliant white speculum.
Mottled light brown overall, with an orange bill that has a dark longitudinal midsection and dark lateral spots.
A prominent white speculum (wing patch) is visible on the hind edge of the wing, especially in flight.
Males have a slate gray bill, while females have an orange bill with a dark center.
02 / A place in the world
Gadwalls prefer open wetlands, including freshwater marshes, prairie potholes, and shallow lakes with abundant vegetation. They can also be found in saltwater marshes and human-made bodies of water.
This species has a circumpolar distribution, breeding across northern areas of Europe, Asia, and central North America. In North America, its breeding range extends from southern Alaska and Canada south to parts of the U.S., and it winters across the United States and Mexico.
Gadwalls are short-distance migrants, with breeding populations in the north-central U.S. and Canadian Prairies. They migrate south for the winter, though some populations in western North America may be year-round residents where open water persists.
03 / Listen a little closer
Generally a quiet duck, females produce a high-pitched quack, while males emit grunts and whistles, particularly during courtship.
04 / The life behind the feathers
Their diet primarily consists of aquatic vegetation, including submerged plants and seeds. They also consume aquatic invertebrates.
Gadwalls are dabbling ducks, typically feeding by tipping forward to graze on submerged plants within reach, with their tails and feet often visible above the water. They rarely dive for food.
Females construct nests on the ground near water, often in dense vegetation. The nest is a depression lined with leaves, grass, twigs, and down. Males guard the female during nest building but depart once incubation begins.
Gadwalls are seasonally monogamous, with pair bonds forming by November. Courtship displays involve males ruffling head feathers, rising from the water with lifted wingtips, and splashing water with their bills while whistling. They are also known to steal food from other diving birds.
One more reason to pay attention
The Gadwall's population has significantly increased in North America since the 1980s, largely due to improved wetland conditions.
The scientific name *Mareca strepera* includes "strepera," which is Late Latin for "noisy," despite the Gadwall being a relatively quiet duck.
Gadwalls are known to steal food from other diving ducks and American Coots as they surface.
05 / An eye for the difference
AI-assisted species research. Prepared October 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.
