BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 



81 



GADWALL (Chaulelasmus streperus). 

 Common or local names : Gray Duck; Speckle-belly; Creek Duck. 



Female. 



Male. 



Lenrjth. — About 18 to !2'-2 inches. 



Adult Male. — Upper parts and sides brown, so barred and vermiculated 

 with black and white as to give a general appearance of brownish gray, 

 passing to dusky on lower back and to black on upper and lower tail 

 coverts; tail brown, edged with gray; head and neck brown, mottled 

 with darker; wings largely brown, black, white and gray, in the order 

 given; wing patch white, bordered in front and bek)w by black; rump 

 black; lower neck and breast dark gray; belly white, with fine wavy 

 gray lines; bill lead blue or bluish black; legs and feet dull orange or 

 yellowish, with dark webs. 



Female and Young. — Much like a diminutive female Mallard, but wing 

 similar to that of the male Gadwall; the white wing patch is smaller 

 than in the male, but bordered similarly by black; lining of wings 

 whitish, as in Mallard and Black Duck. 



Field Marks. — The only river Duck with a pure white, hlack-hordered 

 speculum or icing patch. The female resembles a small female Mallard, 

 but the white wing patch is distinctive. 



Notes. — Resemble those of the Mallard, rather more shrill, frequently 

 repeated (Eaton). 



Season. — ^ Very rare or accidental visitant; April (?) and October to 

 November. 



