Gadwall

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Uncommon bird: +3 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Reservoirs, marshes.
Diet: Aquatic plants.
Best time to spot: Subtly handsome; black bum patch.

When to look

Resident in the UK, so it can be found year-round. More on the season in UK winter wildfowl.

How rare is it?

The Gadwall sits in our Uncommon tier for the UK: regular, but you usually need the right place or the right season. It is Amber-listed in Birds of Conservation Concern 5, the middle level of concern in the UK.

Where to see it

Reserves where the Gadwall is on the list:

• RSPB Leighton Moss
• RSPB Minsmere
• RSPB Titchwell Marsh

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• American WigeonRare · Wetlands (winter vagrant)
• Falcated DuckEpic · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Eurasian WigeonCommon · Wet grassland
• Common PochardUncommon · Reservoirs
• GoosanderUncommon · Upland rivers
• Great White EgretUncommon · Marshes

Kit that helps

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