Gadwall
Learn to identify the Gadwall by ear. Master the "kek-kek-kek or daht-daht-daht" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Gadwall sounds like
The Gadwall is a medium–sized dabbling duck noted for its subdued, elegant plumage. Males appear mostly gray and brown with a crisp black rump, while females resemble a somewhat smaller, slimmer Mallard hen. A conspicuous white wing patch, often hidden when the bird is at rest, flashes in flight and is a key field mark for both sexes. Gadwalls feed mainly by dabbling and up–ending in shallow water rather than diving.
“kek-kek-kek or daht-daht-daht”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Shallow freshwater wetlands—marshes, prairie potholes, sloughs, ponds, slow rivers, flooded fields, sewage lagoons—and occasionally sheltered coastal estuaries in winter.
Arrives on northern breeding grounds soon after ice-out (April–May) and departs as freeze-up begins (Sep–Nov). During migration they gather in large flocks on rich staging wetlands.
Similar species
Mallard
Mallard drake has green head and blue-purple speculum; Gadwall drake lacks bright colors.
American Wigeon
Wigeon has white crown and green ear patch (male), and a bold white shoulder patch in flight instead of square white tertials.
Northern Pintail
Pintail male has chocolate head and long central tail feathers; female shows longer neck and more elegant profile.