While a fairly common summer resident in South Dakota, the Gadwall is often overlooked due to its rather plain plumage. Even the male has a relatively drab plumage compared to most male dabbling ducks, in terms of color, but the plumage patterns on a gadwall are quite beautiful if seen well. Gadwalls can also be found throughout Europe and Asia.
Habitat
The Gadwall inhabits shallow freshwater wetlands, prairie potholes, marshes, ponds, lakes, and wet meadows with abundant emergent and submerged vegetation. During migration and winter it also uses reservoirs, flooded agricultural fields, estuaries, and other open-water habitats rich in aquatic plants.
Diet
The Gadwall feeds primarily on aquatic vegetation such as pondweeds, algae, grasses, sedges, and seeds gathered by dabbling and tipping in shallow water. It also eats aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.
Behavior
Very rarely forages on land, nearly always forages on the water. Primarily acts like a dabbling duck, grabbing items from the water's surface or by upending and submerging it's head underwater. They are also capable of diving underwater in search of food.
Nesting
May through July. The Gadwall nests on the ground, usually in dense grass, shrubs, or other vegetation near wetlands. The female builds a shallow bowl-shaped nest lined with grasses, leaves, and soft down feathers plucked from her breast. Typical clutches contain 7–12 eggs, and the female alone incubates the eggs and cares for the ducklings after hatching.
Song
The Gadwall is generally quieter than many dabbling ducks. Males give short nasal whistles and grunting calls during courtship, while females produce a series of quacks that resemble those of a Mallard but are typically softer and raspier.
Migration
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.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Gadwall sightings
Similar Species
Mallard. The Gadwall is more subtly patterned than the Mallard, with finely mottled gray plumage and a distinctive white wing patch visible in flight. Male Mallards show a glossy green head, yellow bill, and chestnut breast, while male Gadwalls lack these bold colors and instead have a mostly gray appearance with a black rear end. Female Gadwalls can resemble female Mallards but are generally grayer, have a thinner orange-edged bill, and show a white speculum rather than the Mallard's blue wing patch.
Conservation 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. The IUCN considers the Gadwall to be a species of "least concern".
Further Information
Photo Information
April 1st, 2012 - Dewey Gevik Nature Area near Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
