The Gadwall is a common species of duck found across North America and Eurasia. They are a medium-sized duck with intricate black, white, and gray plumage. Gadwalls are known for their unique courtship displays and vocalizations. But what exactly do you call a Gadwall? There are a few common names used for this species.
Common Names
Some of the most widely used common names for the Gadwall duck include:
- Gadwall
- Gray Duck
- German Duck
Gadwall is the most frequently used common name for this species. It refers specifically to the Eurasian population. The name “Gadwall” comes from the old English “gadwol,” first recorded in 1686. It likely refers to the male’s conspicuous black and white wing pattern noticeable in flight.
In North America, Gadwalls may also be called “gray ducks.” This name distinguishes them from mallards and other “green headed” ducks. The plumage of female and eclipse male Gadwalls is mostly gray-brown.
In parts of Europe, Gadwalls are known as “German ducks.” This name dates back centuries in reference to the duck’s migration path down the Rhine River in Germany.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for the Gadwall is Anas strepera. This binomial name was first given by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Anas refers to the duck genus which includes mallards, wigeons, teals, and other typical puddle ducks.
Strepera comes from the Latin word strepens meaning “making a noise.” This likely refers to the conspicuous vocalizations of the breeding male Gadwalls.
Description
Here is a more detailed overview of the Gadwall’s appearance and distinguishing features:
Size and Shape
– Length: 20-24 inches
– Wingspan: 33-36 inches
– Weight: 1.5-2.2 pounds
Gadwalls have a slightly smaller and more compact build compared to mallards. Their body is rounded with a short neck and small head.
Plumage
– Male breeding plumage: Gray body with a black rear, finely speckled breast, white belly, black speculum bordered with white, chestnut head.
– Female plumage: Mottled brown overall with white belly, gray speculum pattern on wings.
– Eclipse male (non-breeding): Similar to female.
The breeding male Gadwall has intricate and elegant black, white and gray patterns throughout its body plumage. Females are predominantly brown and speckled.
Bill and Feet
– Bill: Dark gray, straight sloping ridge, black nail
– Feet: Yellowish-gray, webbed for swimming and paddling
Gadwalls have a fairly small, straight dark bill compared to other puddle ducks. Their legs and feet are set further back on their body to be more effective for swimming and diving.
Behavior
Here are some interesting facts about the Gadwall’s behavior patterns:
Habitat
Gadwalls inhabit open freshwater wetlands across much of their range. This includes marshes, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation for foraging.
Diet
– Mostly vegetarian, eating aquatic plants, roots, stems, leaves, seeds
– Also feed on aquatic invertebrates like mollusks, crustaceans, insects
– Forage by dabbling head underwater, tipping forward
Gadwalls stick to a mainly plant-based diet, but will opportunistically eat small water creatures for protein. They forage by tipping headfirst into the water to grab vegetation.
Flight and Swimming
– Fast direct flight up to 40-50 mph
– Alternating stiff wing beats with short glides
– Excellent swimmer and diver capable of swimming several hundred yards underwater to flee predators
Gadwalls are strong fliers and extremely capable swimmers. Their compact shape allows them to move quickly both in the air and water. Males perform aerial displays during courtship.
Social Behavior
– Generally found in pairs or small flocks outside breeding season
– Come together in large groups during winter migration and at prime feeding areas
– Males are highly territorial and aggressive during breeding season
– Elaborate courtship displays performed by males to attract females
Gadwalls have complex social behaviors. Their courtship rituals involve a variety of vocalizations and visual displays. Males compete intensely for mates and the best territories during breeding season.
Breeding
The breeding ecology and reproductive behaviors of Gadwalls include:
Mating Season
Gadwalls breed early in the spring, with pairing starting in winter. The breeding season runs from March through June depending on location.
Courtship Displays
Male Gadwalls perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females:
– Grunt-whistle display: male makes call ending with bill snapped shut
– Head-throw display: male rears head back then quickly forward
– Down-up: male pops head underwater then tilts back up
– Wing-flicks: male flicks open wings
Nesting
– Females build nests on the ground concealed in vegetation near water
– Lined with available materials like grass, leaves, down feathers
– Typically 8-12 eggs per clutch
– Eggs are pale cream colored, incubated for 24-27 days
– Ducklings hatch and leave nest shortly after to follow mother
The female Gadwall builds the nest and incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby guarding the territory. Ducklings become independent after about 8 weeks.
Parental Care
– Female incubates eggs and cares for young
– Male guards and accompanies female and brood
– Ducklings feed themselves from hatching but are protected by parents
– Both parents molt into eclipse plumage during breeding season as female incubates eggs
Gadwall parents work together to raise their brood, with defined roles for the male and female. The young grow rapidly and fledge within 2 months.
Population and Conservation
Here are some key facts about the Gadwall’s population and conservation status:
Population
– Estimated 3.75 million birds worldwide
– Population increasing significantly in 20th century
– Most abundant in North America with over 2.5 million
– Also 500,000+ in Europe and 350,000+ in Asia
Gadwall numbers expanded greatly over the last century as their breeding habitat increased. They are the most populous duck species behind only mallards and green-winged teal.
Conservation Status
– Least Concern according to IUCN Red List
– Protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act in North America
With growing numbers and a vast range, Gadwalls are of minimal conservation concern. Protections on wetlands and waterfowl hunting limits help maintain healthy populations.
Threats
Some potential threats to Gadwalls include:
– Habitat loss and degradation of wetlands
– Disturbance of nesting sites
– Exposure to pesticides and other pollution
– Disease outbreaks such as avian influenza
But their adaptable nature allows Gadwalls to thrive in human-altered habitats when sufficient water and vegetation are present.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few common names used to describe the Gadwall species, with “Gadwall” being the most widespread. The scientific name Anas strepera refers to their duck genus and vocal nature. Gadwalls are medium-sized puddle ducks with elegant black, white, and gray plumage patterns.
They inhabit open wetlands across much of North America, Europe, and Asia. Gadwalls have a largely vegetarian diet and forage by dabbling underwater. Males perform elaborate courtship displays and compete for mates during the spring breeding season.
The female incubates a clutch of 8-12 eggs and cares for the precocial young that hatch. Gadwall populations are robust and have greatly increased over the past century. Ongoing conservation of wetlands and responsible hunting practices help ensure the continued success of this abundant duck species.
