DUCKS AND GEESE 63 



in Indiana, and in the upper and lower peninsulas of 

 ]\Iichigan it is found in considerable numbers. It is likelj' 

 to be found breeding anywhere within its range. 



The general appearance and habits of the gadwall are 

 quite similar to those of the mallard, teal, and widgeon. 

 The latter name (widgeon) is indiscriminately applied to 

 the three species: the gadwall, the baldpate, or American 

 widgeon, and the European widgeon. All three varieties 

 inhabit both the old and new worlds. The females and 

 immature birds of the three species are often confused with 

 each other. This is especially true of the baldpate and 

 European widgeon. 



The dress of the gadwall appears very sober when 

 compared with our other ducks, the majority of which are 

 noted for their beautiful plrmiage. 



Its food consists of both animal and vegetable matter, 

 which is obtained from the surface of shallow lagoons and 

 ponds. While feeding, the bodj^ is often partly submerged, 

 as the birds probe about under the water. It seems to feed 

 throughout the day. 



Authorities differ regarding the note of the gadwall, 

 but in my experience I have found them rather silent, 

 occasionally uttering a few shrill "quacks" similar in tone 

 to that of the mallard. 



BALDPATE 



The Baldpate ranges throughout North America, breed- 

 ing in the interior, from INIinnesota northward, wintering 

 in Central America and northern South America. 



The baldpate, or American widgeon, is a common spring 



