A fairly common dabbling duck found throughout the year, the gadwall is only a little smaller than a mallard. It nests in small numbers in the UK, on freshwater lakes with lots of vegetation, but can be seen in large numbers in winter at reservoirs, lakes, flooded gravel pits and coastal wetlands.
How to identify
Male gadwalls are a grey-brown colour with a black rear end. Both males and females can be distinguished by the white patches on their wings.
Did you know?
Gadwall can sometimes be seen following coot around. After the coot has dived down to pick waterweed, the opportunistic gadwall will grab some for itself!
