Gadwall Duck Facts and Photo - Wildlife Education Series

The Gadwall Duck (Anas strepera) is a medium sized dabbling duck. Its wings are more narrow than the mallard duck which makes it appear much slimmer in flight. The Gadwall inhabits much of the Northern Hemisphere much like the mallard, shoveler and pintail duck. During the winter months they can be found in the southern United States where American Coots and American Wigeons over winter. They commonly visit Guatemala during the winter months. Males weigh 2 lbs. and are 20 inches long. The female is slightly smaller than the male.  

Both male and female Gadwalls have similar coloration, but the female has a brown mottled appearance. An interesting fact about the Gadwall particular duck is the males very complex mating dance, performed to attract a female. Breeding occurs in the wetland and prairie regions of the United States and Canada. Many can be found in the wetlands of the Great Basin. The Gadwall begins breeding later than most other ducks. Once the female has selector a mate, they will remain together until mid way through the nesting season. Females lay 7-12 eggs in ground nests surrounded by tall grasses and reeds. The female incubates the eggs for approximately 1 month. The nesting regions of this duck include fields, meadows, islands and wetland areas. Yearlings reach sexual maturity during their first winter. 

As a surface feeder they feed in shallow water. Their diet mainly consists of the leafy portion of vegetation such as pondweed, smart weed, algae, bulrush and spike rush. Occasionally they will consume small fish. A small part of their diet consists of invertebrates and crustaceans, which makes them valuable in controlling invasive species. Gadwall most commonly inhabiting ponds and marshes.

Natural predators of the Gadwall are fox, coyote and birds of prey. It can not be overlooked that loss of habitat and humans and their pets pose a threat. People who permit their dogs to chase ducks can cause nests and chicks to be abandoned.  

View an image of the Female Gadwall

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