This very grey-coloured dabbling duck, a little smaller than the mallard, and with an obvious black rear end. It shows a white wing patch in flight. When seen close up the grey colour is made up of exquisitely fine barring and speckling. It nests in low numbers in the UK and is an Amber List species.
Key ID Features:
Seemingly dull grey-brown at a distance, closer inspection reveals an intricately patterned, large, surface feeding duck.
The males black rear is distinctive whilst the female has a white patch near the rump.
A white belly and patch near base of wings is visible in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Anas strepera
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Visit gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands in winter. To see breeding gadwalls look in the shallow edges of lakes and gravel pits where there is vegetation - mainly in the Midlands and south-east of England, eastern central Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland and the south-east of Ireland, and south-east Wales.
Seen in UK:
Anytime of year, but chances are better in winter when numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK, away from harsher continental weather.
What they eat
Anytime of year, but chances are better in winter when numbers increase as birds migrate to spend the winter in the UK, away from harsher continental weather..
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
