Gadwall Duck
Mareca strepera
Pato Friso
Song
Gadwall Duck
Gadwall Duck (Mareca strepera). Read in Spanish
Appearance: Gadwall ducks (43 cm - 17 in) are gray with black rear end. Females are brownish, thin bill, orange only on sides, and yellow legs. In flight both sexes show white patch on inner secondaries.
Habitat: These ducks are commonly observed in Colombia in mixed flocks with other dab ducks, such as teal, pintails, and shovelers. The flocks can be spotted foraging in the shallow waters, wetlands, engaging in characteristic dabbling behavior, where they upend their bodies to feed on submerged vegetation and invertebrates. These birds seek refuge in Colombia's wetlands to escape harsh winter conditions further north. During their visit, Gadwalls in Colombia typically exhibit similar characteristics and behavior as their counterparts in other parts of the world. They have general preference for calm freshwater habitats, often near vegetation-rich areas, where they can find food and shelter.
Conservation: It is considered a species of Least Concern status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Gadwall duck (Mareca strepera) is known for its subtle yet beautiful plumage. While it is difficult to describe a physical button representing the Gadwall duck, I can provide an overview of the typical appearance and features of this species:
- Size and Shape: The Gadwall duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck with a body length of approximately 46-56 centimeters (18-22 inches). It has a relatively sturdy and compact build, with a round head and a moderately long, broad bill.
- Plumage: The male Gadwall duck has a distinctive plumage. Its head is light gray with a black rear crown and nape. The neck and breast are pale gray, blending into a finely patterned gray body and wings. Notably, it has a white belly and undertail coverts, which are particularly visible during flight. The wings show a hint of iridescent green and black with white wing-bars.
- Female Plumage: Female Gadwall ducks have a more subdued appearance. They feature a mottled brown overall body with a dark eye-stripe extending back from the eye, and a reddish-brown head. Their belly and undertail coverts are a pale creamy color. Females often resemble female Mallards but tend to have a smaller bill and a slightly different coloration pattern.
- Identification Features: Both male and female Gadwall ducks have a distinct white speculum (a colored patch on the wing) bordered with black. This speculum can be seen clearly during flight and serves as a useful identification feature. Additionally, both sexes have a white patch near the base of their bill.
Taxonomy
The taxonomy of the Gadwall duck (Mareca strepera) follows the scientific classification outlined below:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Mareca
- Species: M. strepera
In Colombia, Gadwall ducks can be found as part of their migratory or non-breeding range. They belong to the Anatidae family, which also includes other waterfowl species like ducks, geese, and swans. The genus Mareca comprises several species of ducks, including the Gadwall.
The taxonomy of bird species can sometimes undergo revisions as new scientific evidence and research emerge.
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Gadwall duck (Mareca strepera) are generally known to be more subdued compared to other duck species. They are not typically loud or highly vocal birds. However, they do produce a variety of calls during specific situations or behaviors. Here are a few of the vocalizations associated with Gadwall ducks:
- Whistling Calls: During courtship displays and interactions between males and females, Gadwall ducks may emit soft whistling calls. These calls are often subtle and gentle, sometimes described as a low, melodic whistle. They are used as communication signals between mates.
- Grunting Calls: When engaged in territorial or aggressive interactions, males may produce low-pitched grunting calls. These sounds are used to establish territories or to defend mates during courtship.
- Contact Calls: Gadwall ducks may use contact calls to maintain communication with other ducks in their flock or with their offspring. These calls are often short and soft, serving as a way to keep the group together or to signal their presence.
- Alarm Calls: When sensing danger or perceiving a threat, Gadwall ducks may emit high-pitched alarm calls. These calls can be sharp and rapid, alerting other ducks in the vicinity to potential hazards.
