GadwallGadwall -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 18 - 22 inches | Wingspan: 30 - 36 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: Generally plain. Males grayish with black tail coverts, white wing patch. | ||
Gadwall
Anas strepera
While a fairly common summer resident in South Dakota, the Gadwall is often overlooked due to its rather plain plumage. Even the male (pictured to the right) has a relatively drab plumage compared to most male dabbling ducks. Gadwalls can also be found throughout Europe and Asia.
Habitat: Prefers lakes and wetlands in open prairie areas, and can also be found in coastal marshlands.
Diet: Primarily feeds on aquatic plants. They will also feed on crustaceans, mollusks, insects and insect larvae, and occasionally small fish.
Nesting: May through July
Breeding: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Whiny meeep calls from the male. Typical quacking from female.
Migrations: Summers throughout much of the Northern Plains and parts of the (lower-elevation) West. Winters along U.S. coastlines, the southern half of the U.S., and Mexico. Some birds in the Western and Southern U.S. may be permanent residents.
Similar Species: Mallard
Status: Its normal breeding range in the Northern Plains is smaller than that of many other ducks, and thus it was probably affected more by human settlement and alteration of the region than were many other species. Current populations are probably stable, however.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Gadwall
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Gadwall"
Photo Information: April 10th, 2004 -- Lake Thompson -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Gadwall photos.
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| South Dakota Status: Common migrant and summer resident throughout most of the state. Uncommon in winter. |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
