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from that of other surface-feeders. They are not ducks of the open water but prefer 
quiet, secluded water, with plenty of cover. 
When in female or immature plumages Gadwall are rather difficult birds to iden- 
tify in the field, and are easily confused with Pintail, Mallard and Widgeon. 
Wariness. From my own experience I should say that there is very little differ- 
ence between the Gadwall and many other ducks in respect to wariness. Actual 
wariness is here difficult to judge because this species is rather unsociable in its 
habits, and comes less readily to decoys than do other ducks. Where I have shot 
them in the Carolinas, they show less intelligence in avoiding wooden decoys than do 
Pintail or Widgeon. In England, according to Millais (1902), they are not nearly so 
cunning in avoiding danger as is the European Widgeon, and after being once or 
twice shot at they do not try to avoid destruction by flying at great elevations; so 
they are easily “driven” to the hidden shooter. Nevertheless they are shy and 
retiring in their habits and probably only a very small percentage of their number 
is killed each year. 
Daily Movements. The Gadwall does not differ at all in daily habits from the 
Mallard and many other ducks. It feeds largely by night in places where wild- 
fowl are much hunted. 
Gait, Swimming, Diving, Flight. This species walks and runs with as much 
ease and grace as a Mallard and swims in exactly the same way. Many writers have 
considered it even more graceful and nimble on land than the Mallard; others have 
referred to its more buoyant appearance on the water. It is doubtful whether any of 
these observations are well founded. 
These birds never engage in true diving habits, except when wounded or before 
reaching maturity. The many notes in which they are referred to as “good divers” 
must all apply to their behavior when winged. They feed by tipping up in the water 
exactly like a Mallard. 
Gadwall have never been observed to perch or nest in trees. 
The wings of the Gadwall are long and slender, enabling the bird to rise almost 
perpendicularly from the water, and to fly easily and swiftly. On the wing they are 
somewhat chunky and Widgeon-like in appearance, and the wing-beat is a little 
more rapid than in larger ducks. In flight there is a low whistling sound and Nau- 
mann (1896-1905) seems to think that this sound is especially pronounced in damp 
weather. 
The Gadwall I have seen were always in very small groups, ranging from three 
or four to half a dozen, but they are found together in large flocks in the winter 
center of abundance on the Gulf Coast of the United States, as well as in India, the 
