Gadwall

Gray body with fine black patterns.

Scientific name	Anas strepera
English name	Gadwall
Japanese name	丘葦鴨
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anas
Species	strepera
Full length	50cm
Distribution	Breeds in northern Eurasia. Migrates to Japan as a winter bird.

Gadwall Characteristics and Morphology

Males and females have different appearances.
The head shape is round, and the iris is blackish-brown. Both males and females have white speculum. The legs are yellow. The tail feathers are black.

Male

Males have gray bodies with fine black patterns. They do not develop bright colors even in eclipse plumage.
The head is slightly brownish, and the bill is lead-colored. The back and wings are brown. The abdomen is gray. The base of the neck is slightly whitish.

Female

Females are entirely brown and slightly smaller than males.
The bill is partially yellow to orange. The abdomen is brown, and the patterns are not as fine as in males. Similar to female Mallards, but can be identified by the speculum. The female Gadwall has a white speculum.

Song

Gadwall Ecology

Habitat

Migrates to rivers and lakes as a winter bird.

Food

Forages while swimming. Eats plants as well as animal matter such as insects.

Gadwall Photos

Gadwall Photos are introduced.
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Gray body with small black patterns scattered.

Both males and females have white speculum.

Gadwall Behavior

They act in small groups and forage while swimming. They seem to be more wary than Eastern spot-billed ducks.

Gadwall Information

Naming

The specific name "strepera" means "noisy" and is derived from the call of this species.

Gadwall Found Locations

Middle reaches of the Tama River, Kamikawara Weir

They came to the reservoir of Kamikawara Weir in winter. They formed small groups and foraged. They are very wary and fly away to upstream or downstream when approached to some extent. They are also often seen at Shukugawara Weir.