Gadwall Mareca strepera (formerly Anas strepera)
It is possible that many people who see gadwall simply mistake them for a rather small and slightly strange-looking female mallard. Look closer, however, and the two species are quite different. The females may appear similar but the gadwall lacks the blue speculum (wing patch) of the mallard and has a white one instead.
From a distance, the drake may appear to be a nondescript grey – one of its many local names is the
