Gadwall

Gadwall, common name for a large, mainly freshwater duck, native to North America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Males have brownish heads, grayish bodies, dark bills, and yellow feet. The females are a mottled brown. Both sexes of the gadwall have a white speculum, or wing patch. Although normally a surface-feeding bird and therefore almost entirely herbivorous, the gadwall often dives for its food underwater. In North America it nests mainly in western and central regions, although it has spread east in recent years, and winters principally in the lower Mississippi Valley and Mexico. The gadwall frequently associates with the American wigeon and pintail.

Scientific classification: The gadwall belongs to the family Anatidae. It is classified as Anas strepera.