﻿GADWALL. QO 



NA TA TORES. A NA T1DJE 



PLATE CCXLVI. 



GADWALL. 



ANAS STREPERA. 



The Gadwall is an occasional winter visitant with us, but not 

 of frequent occurrence, and chiefly seen during its autumnal 

 and spring migrations. Its numbers are principally distri- 

 buted over the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. 

 In Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark it is rare, but 

 in Holland, and the eastern parts of Germany, numerous. 

 Like the foregoing species, it is more an inhabitant of inland 

 waters, than of the sea-coast, and in consequence of its pre- 

 ferring temperate climates to cold, it leaves, in September 

 and October, its summer habitations for more southern 

 countries, such as the south of France, Spain, and the 

 borders of the Mediterranean, and crosses also over to Africa ; 

 in China and Japan it is every year to be met with. By the 

 months of March and April it is on its return northward 

 again, and at that time it may be frequently seen to travel 

 in pretty large numbers. On account of the principal 

 migrations taking place during the night, this species is more 

 frequently heard than seen, and they also fly very high. 



The localities preferred by the Gadwall are inland lakes 

 and rivers, large boggy flats, and large ponds that are well- 

 covered with reeds, osiers, and long herbage. 



