[225] Mareca strepera, Gadwall
Introduction
Mareca strepera the Gadwall, is a duck that is widespread but relatively rare over Britain. Until recently it was classified as Anas strepera.
Taxonomy
Kingdom – Animals
Phylum – Chordates
Class – Aves (Birds)
Order – Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
Family – Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
Subfamily – Anatinae (Dabbling ducks)
Tribe – Anatini (Extant dabbling ducks)
Genus – Mareca (Wigeon and Gadwall)
Scientific Name -Mareca strepera
Originally known as Anas strepera
Name
This duck has been known as a Gadwall since 1666 but the origin of the name is unknown. We met Mareca yesterday. Strepera from the Latin means noisy.
Description
Although it comes from the same genus as [224] the Wigeon, it does not look similar. They are monogamous and often seen as a pair, which can show their sexual dimorphism.
The male Gadwall is a mottled grey colour with a black bill and rear end and a white speculum. The wings have a dark brownish pattern. The fine mottling has an attractive appearance if you can get close enough to appreciate it.
The female has the same mottled brown appearance as many female duck species, but can be identified by her orange-edged bill, white speculum and white underparts.
In eclipse (non-breeding) plumage the male looks more like the female bird but remains greyer with less orange on the bill.
Habitat and use
The Gadwall breeds normally from northeast Europe to the far east and in parts of North America. It is migratory and winters farther south, including north-eastern Africa and Central America.
In Britain it is a scarce winter visitor and breeds rarely.
Other Notes
This bird is relatively rare in Britain. I often see a pair at the usual wetland sites but there are rarely more than two birds. I suspect that some of those I see are introduced or semi-tame.
See also
We saw [224] Wigeon yesterday.
The Species of Britain 