Gadwall Duck Drake on the Lake Bath Mat

Male gadwall ducks have subtle colours with intricate patterns, including grey heads with a tinge of mauve, subtle patterns of grey and tan on their bodies and wings, and a black and tan tail. The female have zigzag brown and off white patterns. These smallish ducks have large, squarish heads and dark bills that tend to be thinner than mallard's bills. The gadwall is a type of dabling duck that sometimes steals food from other dabling ducks as well as diving ducks. You often see them tipping over looking for food, versus diving under the surface like diving ducks. Gadwalls often appear in pairs since they choose their mates in fall.