Birdsong field guide
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
A medium-sized dabbling duck characterized by its understated, intricately patterned gray-brown plumage and a conspicuous white wing patch.
What it sounds like
Males emit a low, mechanical 'mep' or burpy grunt; females give a series of high-pitched, thin quacks.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Gadwalls frequently engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing submerged aquatic vegetation from American Coots and diving ducks.
- The species is unique among dabbling ducks for its almost entirely herbivorous diet, focusing on the stems and leaves of aquatic plants.
- While most duck populations fluctuate, Gadwall numbers have seen a significant and steady increase in North America since the 1960s.
- The male's breeding plumage features fine, sandpaper-like vermiculation that requires close inspection to appreciate its complexity.
- Gadwalls are often found in pairs even during the winter, as they tend to form pair bonds earlier than many other duck species.
Habitat
Freshwater marshes, alkaline lakes, and prairie potholes with dense emergent vegetation.
Range
Widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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