2 GADWALL. 
a male was procured in January, 1833; and in the following 
year a female, near Standlake; others in other parts of the 
county. 
In Ireland, it has been obtained near Limerick, on the 
River Shannon, and in other instances. 
In Orkney, it has been shot at times in Sanday, but is 
not a regular visitant. 
‘The localities preferred by the Gadwall are inland lakes, 
large boggy flats, and ponds that are well covered with reeds, 
osiers, and long herbage. During the day this species frequents 
extensive open waters, but towards the dusk of evening it 
becomes restless, and goes in search of the lonely spots before 
mentioned, for the purpose of feeding, and the enjoyment of 
quiet and undisturbed recreation.’ It seldom visits the sea- 
shore. 
It changes its quarters in September and October, and in 
March and April; in the former months for the south, and 
in the latter for the north. They migrate during the night. 
It is said to be of recluse, shy, and wary habits, but 
sociable among its own species. It is a good bird to eat. 
It flies quickly and with strength, and is alert in all its 
movements. It swims and dives well, and Meyer says, if 
pursued, clings to the weeds under the water. He adds, that 
if a family or small party of Gadwalls fly about, they keep 
close, but not in a line, and on alighting they disperse over 
the ground, and when taking wing, do so with more alertness 
than most other ducks. ‘They thrive well in confinement, 
and have laid in the gardens of the Zoological Society. 
These birds feed on water insects and their larve, small 
fish, and frogs, as also on plants, seeds, and grain of various 
kinds, and grass. They chiefly seek their sustenance during 
the day, on the water, and dive the head under to procure 
it, but also near the water’s edge in moist places. 
The note is only the usual quack, seldom reiterated more 
than twice at a time. 
The nest of the Gadwall is placed among reeds, sedge, 
rushes, or other aquatic herbage, such as vegetates by the 
sides of pools, meres, and lakes, and in marshy spots ‘with 
verdure clad.’ It as composed of dry grass, and the eggs 
are covered with down. 
The eggs are from five to seven or eight, or, Selby says, 
ten or twelve in number. They are of a uniform buff white 
colour. 
