The apparent scarcity uf this species is doubtless to Ijc attril)ute(l in part to 

 its excessive timidity and cuniiinj^ sccrctiveiiess. I'ut pcrhajjs at best it is to be 

 regarded as the least coniinon of those river ducks whose ai)ii(ar:m< <• in f>nr st.it<- 

 is anything more than accidental. 



The gadwall remains, for the most part, closely secreted by day in the rccds 

 or high grasses which border our lakes and river lagoons, venturing out only at 

 dusk and feeding throughout the night. Its food seems to be largely vegetable, 

 the kaves and roots of aquatic plants and river tlotsam, obtained by diving or 

 dabbling. It is not, however, averse to varying its diet with occasional insects and 

 small fish. Not infrequently it feeds at considerable distance from water, in 

 stubble-fields and the like, after the fashion of the Mallard. Such visits are, how- 

 ever, strictly nocturnal. lU-cause of its careful feeding the flesh of this duck is 

 highly prized for the table. 



The nesting of the (ladwall has been reported by Mr. Charles Dury from the 

 Grand Reservoir. It breeds sparingly wherever found, but its better known 

 haunts are the sloughs of the northwestern prairie states. The nest is said to be 

 always placed on dry ground, but not very far from water. "A hollow is scooped 

 in the ground and well lined with strips or pieces of reeds, bits of dry grass and 

 weed stems, or whate\ er material can be most easily gathered in the vicinity, mixed 

 witli down from the bird's l)reast and profusely lined with dark gray down around 

 the eggs." Ten or eleven eggs are commonly laid. The birds are close sitters, 

 but even then great care must be taken to distinguish them from the more common 

 Baldpate. 



Though seemingly as well fitted for the struggle for existence as any of its 

 fellows, the gadwall apparently was never very abundant in any part of its range. 

 Formerly it was not uncommon in New England and in the Middle and Eastern 

 States, but for a quarter of a century or more the bird has been practically un- 

 known to the sportsmen of the Atlantic seacoast, though still found in considerable 

 numbers in Texas, and other Western States. I have never seen the gadwell in 

 large flocks, but usually singl}' or by twos or threes in company with ducks of 

 other species, and such seems to have been the experience of many other observers. 

 It is a denizen of fresh water and is fond of shallow lakes and ponds, where its 

 habits somewhat resemble those of the mallard. It is a good diver when the need 

 arises, but usually finds little occasion for the exercise of its skill, since it frequents 

 the shallow margins of ponds and lakes in company with mallards and other 

 species. I have frequently seen the gadwall literally stand on its head in shallow 

 water grubbing for food on the muddy bottom, when only its feet and the tip of 

 its tail were sticking out. Its bill of fare is varied and includes aquatic grasses, 

 seeds, nuts, insects, mollusks. in short almost anv edible substance it can obtain. 



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