What is Gadwall?

Gadwall is a medium -sized migration duck with a length of about 23 inches (57 centimeters) and a span of approximately 35 inches (90 centimeters). Its native scope includes Europe, Asia, the United States and Canada. Gadwall is often called a gray center because of its similar appearance, it is roughly the same size as Mallard, but it has mainly dull gray feathers. The males have a black spot on the underside, close to the tail, with gray to matte blue beak. Females have a yellow beak and are pale brown and gray. Females do not have a black patch near the tail and have a even white underside.

Gadwall Molts twice a year; During this time, the duck is unable to fly, so it is extremely vulnerable to predators. If possible during melting, this species remains on the bodies of fresh water and remains as much as possible from the coast. This is a strategic maneuver to prevent predators.

For most of the year, the primary diet of Gadwall consists of seeds, grains, algae and green plant matter. In the lead until the periodReproduction begins to consume large amounts of food based on fat and protein, such as invertebrate, insects, small fish and tadps. This is because a woman must create large reserves of fat and protein; When the laying and incubation of eggs begins, it rarely leaves the nest.

nests are built in protected depression on the ground, near fresh water. Between one and seven eggs are laid and lasts approximately four weeks. Men rarely participate in incubation or breeding young. The juveniles are independent of hatching in the muzzle 10 weeks after hatching. Gadwall takes up to two years to achieve sexual maturity and start to behave.

Gadwalls are generally active only during the day, except in migration. This species will only fly at night migrate, although the reasons are unclear. Gadwall tends to live on or near marshy soils, ponds and small lakes and prefers calm or slowly moving waters.

youJně as any medium duck has Gadwall a wide range of predators, from domestic cats and dogs to foxes, coyote and large predatory birds. People are also a threat to this species. People hunted this kind for food and sport for many centuries. However, these birds are not considered to be a threat because they have a large native range and can increase several clutches of eggs per year.