Gadwall (duck)

   The gadwall is a swift-flying river duck related to the mallard and often hunted for sport. The gadwall ranges from 19 to 21 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds. The male is mainly gray-brown, with black around the tail and a whitish belly. The female is mottled brown with a yellow-tinged bill. Both sexes have a small white patch on the wings.
   The gadwall lives on creeks and ponds throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Like other dabbling ducks, it tips the front part of its body into shallow water to feed on plants. Gadwalls build down-lined nests in dense grass or bushes. The females lay from 7 to 13 white eggs.
   The gadwall, Anas strepera, is classified in the order Anseriformes, family Anatidae.

Gadwall