Gadwall

Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Common Names: gray duck, gray mallard

With their drab plumage, it is not unusual to mistake a gadwall for a hen mallard at a distance. However, any flock that looks like it is entirely made up of hen mallards is more likely to be gadwalls in disguise. Identification A medium sized dabbling duck, gadwalls lack any brilliant colorization. Though drab, on closer examination their coloring could be considered eye-catching. Drakes are a gray brown with a white abdomen and black rump and undertail coverts. They sport a white speculum that distinguishes them in flight from other ducks, along with a bit of black and chestnut on their wings. Their head and neck are a lighter gray brown than the body and wings. Other distinguishing features include a slate blue bill and yellow legs. At a quick glance, gadwall hens resemble other brown female ducks, except they have a distinctive orange yellow bill with gray black spots and a white speculum. Hens are a buffy tan as opposed to the males gray brown with little difference in shading between the head, neck and body. They have little, if any, chestnut color, unlike the drakes.