GADWALI, 95 
GADWALL. Anas strepera (Linneus). 
Coloured Figures.— Gould, ‘Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. v, 
pl. 19; Dresser, ‘ Birds of Europe,’ vol. vi, pl. 424; 
Lilford, ‘Coloured Figures,’ vol. vii, pl. 34; Booth, 
‘Rough Notes,’ vol. ili, pls. 5 and 6. 
The Gadwall is only an irregular visitor to our country, 
and is by no means common. 
The female somewhat resembles in size and colour the 
Mallard of the same sex, and thus may be easily overlooked, 
though the white patch on the wing distinguishes the species. 
The Gadwall is more often seen on fresh than on salt 
water, still, it is significant to note that it has been recorded 
more frequently from or near maritime counties than from 
inland districts, especially in Ireland (Ussher). On the Moy 
estuary it has been seen feeding with Wigeon (Warren). 
It also visits the coasts of Scotland, including the Hebrides 
and Orkneys. It is rather solitary and very shy, and 
delights in the quietude and shelter of small laies and pools, 
fringed with such aquatic herbage as weeds and rushes. 
Food.—Its food, taken chiefly at night, consists of green 
vegetables, seeds and grain. In the gizzard of an adult 
male specimen sent me from co. Clare by Rev. 8. W. King, 
I found quantities of minute reddish-brown seeds mixed with 
coarse sand and grit. In the gizzard of another adult male 
sent me from co. Waterford by Mr. Ussher, I found shreds 
of fine grasses and an abundance of glistening sand. 
Flight—On the wing this Duck strongly resembles the 
Mallard, but the flight of the former is even swifter and 
more buoyant. 
Votce.—The voice is a low cackling sound, and may 
be syllabled quack-quack, quack-quack, in rapid succession. 
Nest.—The Gadwall breeds on the ground, generally in 
the vicinity of fresh water. The nest, lined with down, is 
built of grasses and other vegetation. The eggs are shaded 
from light buff-colour to almost creamy-white. The clutch 
numbers from eight to thirteen. 
This bird now breeds in fair numbers in Norfolk. About 
half a century ago some pinioned birds were turned down 
on the lake at Narford Hall, and it is their descendants, 
together with such wild migrants as they have induced to 
remain during spring and summer, which represent the 
breeding-stock. In Norfolk this species 1s increasing, and 
under adequate protection it will probably extend its 
breeding-range to other adjacent counties. 
