While a fairly common summer resident in South Dakota, the
Gadwall is often overlooked due to its rather plain plumage. Even the male
has a relatively drab plumage compared to most male
dabbling ducks, in terms of color, but the plumage patterns on a gadwall are
quite beautiful if seen well. Gadwalls can also be found throughout Europe and Asia.
Habitat: Prefers lakes and wetlands in open
prairie areas, and can also be found in coastal marshlands.
Diet: Primarily feeds on aquatic plants.
They will also feed on crustaceans, mollusks, insects and insect larvae, and
occasionally small fish.
Behavior: Very rarely forages on land, nearly
always forages on the water. Primarily acts like a dabbling duck,
grabbing items from the water's surface or by upending and submerging it's
head underwater. They are also capable of diving underwater in search
Nesting: May through July
Song: Whiny meeep calls from the
male. Typical quacking from female.
Migration: Summers throughout much of the Northern
Plains and parts of the (lower-elevation) West. Winters along U.S.
coastlines, the southern half of the U.S., and Mexico. Some birds in the
Western and Southern U.S. may be permanent residents.
Similar Species: Mallard
Conservation Status: Its normal breeding
range in the Northern Plains is smaller than that of many other ducks, and
thus it was probably affected more by human settlement and alteration of the
region than were many other species. Current populations are probably
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Gadwall"
Photo Information: April 1st, 2012 - Dewey Gevik
Nature Area near Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Gadwall photos.