The Gadwall 31 
bird than the Mallard, yet in most of its habits it closely resembles that 
species ; and, though not naturally so cunning as the wild duck or the 
Wigeon, is much more shy and retiring in its ways. It loves quiet and 
sheltered nooks, still waters and sluggish streams, where it feeds on a vege- 
table diet composed chiefly of water-plants, their seeds, and fresh-water molluscs. 
In summer it is very fond of insects, and spends much time in catching flies 
and water-beetles ; but on the whole it is, except in the courting season, the 
most undemonstrative of all the ducks. Floating motionless in the shadows, 
or lying hidden in the reeds, the birds seldom attract the attention of the 
passer-by unless flushed from their shelter, which they are commonly loth to 
quit. On the water the female often keeps up a quiet quacking noise, very 
like the call of the female Mallard ; but once on the wing she seldom calls, 
the male then uttering his curious croak, a sound somewhat resembling the 
cry of the raven, until he passes beyond hearing distance. Apparently this is 
the only note he ever utters. In the spring it is louder, and extended into 
what may be termed a crackling croak, the same note several times repeated, 
somewhat resembling in sequence the Garganey's ' crackle,' but without its 
high pitch. 
Gadwalls rise swiftly and easily off the water, and on the wing rather 
resemble Wigeon, but they are not nearly so cunning as these birds in avoid- 
ing danger ; after having been once or twice shot at, they do not seem to grasp 
the fact that to avoid destruction they must perform their journeys at a 
greater elevation, and so they are easily driven along sluggish streams or from 
their favourite lakes to the hidden gunner. 
In general appearance on the water they are a very buoyant duck. They 
sit high, and the male is easily recognised even in his dull eclipse plumage 
by the bold white feathers on the wing. The duck is, however, much more 
difficult to distinguish, and may easily be mistaken by any but the expert 
in such matters, for on the water she closely resembles the female Mallard. 
In flight, however, her more rapidly beaten wings, her delicate form and snowy 
breast, readily lend themselves to her identification. 
