Birds of Britain 



male in eclipse has a plumage which approximates to that of 

 the female. Leugth 23 in. ; wing 1 1 in. 



THE GADWALL 



Anas strepera, Linnaeus 



The Gadwall is a scarce visitor to our shores, occurring 

 irregularly along the east coasts of Scotland and England, 

 but it is very rarely seen in the west or in Ireland. In a 

 few places in Norfolk, where it was originally introduced, 

 it breeds, and has of late years considerably increased both 

 there and in the surrounding counties. In habits it 

 resembles the Mallard. The eggs are usually ten in 

 number and of a delicate creamy pink. It may be easily 

 recognised on the wing by its white speculum. 



On the Continent it nests in Central and Eastern Europe, 

 its breeding range extending to the far north of Eussia. It 

 winters in the Mediterranean basin. 



The adult male is greyish brown, with darker mottlings 

 on the head and neck ; back dark brown, with greyish 

 markings ; median wing coverts chestnut ; greater coverts 

 almost black. Under parts white, grey on the flanks and 

 vent. Under tail coverts black. The female is marked 

 with dark brown and buff much like a Wild Duck, but is 

 recognisable by the white speculum. The young somewhat 

 resemble the female. The white speculum forms a dis- 

 tinctive mark of this species at all ages. Length 20 in.; 

 wing 10'5 in. 



244 



