Gadwall (Anas strepera)
The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a medium-sized dabbling duck known for its subtle elegance and widespread presence across North America and Eurasia. Renowned for its predominantly plant-based diet, this species plays a vital role in wetland ecosystems by maintaining the balance of aquatic vegetation.
| 🇫🇷 | Canard chipeau |
| 🇩🇪 | Schnatterente |
| 🇲🇽 | Ánade friso |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
How to Identify
The female Gadwall bears a striking resemblance to the Mallard. However, it can be distinguished by its white belly and the distinctive dark bill edged with orange.
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Characteristics
| Length | 47–58cm |
| Weight | 850-990g |
| Wingspan | 78–85cm |
| Clutch Size | 7-12 eggs |
| Incubation | 24-27 days |
| Fledging | 48-52 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1-2 years |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Although the Gadwall is considered a widespread species, my personal experience has been limited to observing a solitary individual at Rapids Park Lachine.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.