GADWALL 
149 
Caucasus, Mesopotamia and other favorite regions. When flighting to and from 
the feeding grounds they assume no particular formation, but on migration they, 
like other ducks, fly in definite order, usually in an oblique line and rarely in a 
wedge (Naumann, 1896-1905). Identification of this species while on the wing is 
very difficult. It is easy to tell the beginner that he may look for the snowy breast, 
and the rapidly beating wings with their white barring, or that he may listen for the 
note, but in the field these signs are apt to fail because the color pattern is hardly 
to be distinguished against the light, and rapidity of wing-beat is difficult to estimate 
except by comparison with some known species. When jumped off the nest the 
female is apt to be mistaken for the Widgeon, for both are very much alike and the 
eggs are also similar. Gadwall females may be told from Widgeon females by their 
darker color on the back and rump, and the absence of conspicuous light patches 
on the wing shoulders (Bent, 1901-02). 
Association with other Species. This species seems to be more independent 
than most migrant ducks and to lack that gregarious instinct so characteristic of 
Mallard, Pintail, Widgeon and Teal. This spirit of aloofness may in part explain 
the scarcity of hybrids between this and other species. But in regions where they 
are more concentrated, it is evident that they do associate to a greater or less extent, 
as Hume and Marshall (1879) have recorded for India, and Audubon and others for 
the American Southwest. When nesting in the great breeding areas of the American 
West the Baldpate and Scaup Duck often mingle their eggs with those of the 
Gadwall. One or two eggs of WTiite-winged Scoters have also been found in Gad- 
walls’ nests (Job, 1902; Bent, 1901-02). 
Voice. The most interesting thing about the voice of this species is the fact that 
the female’s call is essentially that of the Mallard, while the male has a call entirely 
different from that of any other duck. The male’s note may be described as a 
croaking quack, very loud and raven-like at times, especially in the breeding 
season. I cannot say from my own observations how much the quack of the female 
actually differs from that of the Mallard. It is certainly not very different, and has 
been variously described as either like the Mallard’s, or as weaker, sharper, or 
higher-pitched. There is very little variation in the call of the male. Millais (1902) 
likens it to the call of a raven. My own birds become extremely noisy in the spring, 
and are continually uttering their rather un-ducklike call, which has been compared 
to the cackling of the Garganey, only lower in pitch. According to Naumann 
(1896-1905) there is, presumably in the male, an additional note, a sort of clear 
whistle, heard from flocks during nocturnal flight, and Heinroth (1911) speaks of 
the male as both whistling and quacking during display. I have not heard this 
whistling note. 
