The gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae.
Region
Holarctic (North America and Eurasia)
Typical Environment
Breeds in temperate zones across North America and Eurasia, favoring shallow lakes, marshes, and ponds with ample emergent and submerged vegetation. Winters farther south on reservoirs, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and large wetlands. Frequently uses agricultural impoundments and urban water bodies. It avoids deep open waters and prefers gently sloping, vegetated shorelines.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck across the Holarctic, noted for its subtly patterned plumage and white wing patch visible in flight. Unlike many dabblers, it feeds heavily on submerged aquatic vegetation and is known to steal food from coots. Pairs often form on wintering grounds and remain together through the breeding season. It has benefited from wetlands conservation and artificial water bodies in many regions.
Female and male dabbling, WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes
Temperament
wary but generally calm
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms pairs on wintering grounds and is seasonally monogamous. Nests on the ground, often concealed in grasses or shrubs near water. Outside the breeding season it gathers in mixed flocks, frequently associating with other dabbling ducks and coots.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The male gives short, reedy whistles and low grunts, often in display. The female has softer, lower quacks than a mallard, with a hoarser quality.
Plumage
Male finely vermiculated gray-brown with a black rear end and crisp patterning; female mottled brown similar to a female mallard but slightly grayer and neater. Both sexes show a conspicuous white speculum in flight. Plumage is generally understated but intricately patterned at close range.
Diet
Feeds mainly on submerged aquatic plants, including leaves, stems, and seeds of pondweeds and other macrophytes. Supplements diet with aquatic invertebrates—especially insects, crustaceans, and snails—more during breeding. Often dabbles or upends to reach vegetation and may graze along shorelines. Known to kleptoparasitize coots by snatching plant fragments they bring to the surface.
Preferred Environment
Shallow, vegetated freshwater habitats such as marshes, ponds, and lake edges; also uses brackish lagoons and sheltered estuaries in winter. Frequently forages along gently sloping shores and among emergent plants or floating vegetation.
