Adventures Outdoors'
IN WISCONSIN
GADWALL
(Anas Strepera)
ABOUT THEM
Many Gadwalls migrate through the State usually flying in large flocks with Widgeon or even Mallards. They fly in smaller more compact flocks when not migrating. their flight is swift reaching speeds of 70 MPH. The Drakes voice is a reedy WHACK or shrill whistle while the Hen makes a soft quack. Being a Puddle duck their food is 95% vegetable and 5% animal. Gadwall often breed later than most other Ducks. The Hens lay an average of 7-12 eggs. The greatest concentrations of Gadwalls are found in the Central and Mississippi flyways. They are a common visitor to Guatemala. The population is doing very good with the 2001 breeding survey showing 2.7 million birds in North America, well above the 1.5 million goal set by the NAWMP.
DESCRIPTION
The Drake is Gray, with a brownish neck and head, black feather above and below grayish tail, white and black in wing speculum, brown patch at the bend of wing, a whitish belly, yellow feet, and a dark bill.
The Hens body is almost completely mottled brown, with a whitish belly, white and brown wing speculum, orange bill, and yellow feet.
SIZE
Average Length = 20"
Average weight = 2lbs
Wingspan = 34"