Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2005 9:23 pm
gad·wall (găd'wôl')
n.
A widely distributed North American duck (Anas strepera) having gray or brown plumage
The Gadwall is 46-56 cm long with a 78-90 cm wingspan. The breeding male is a beautifully patterned grey, with a black rear end and a brilliant white speculum, obvious in flight or at rest. In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake looks more like the female.
The females are light brown, with plumage much like a female Mallard. They can be distinguished from that species by the dark orange-edged bill, smaller size, and lack of an obvious speculum.