GADWALL, the common name of the duck Anas strepera. Its habits and distribution are very similar to those of the com mon wild duck (see DUCK), but, save in India, where it is abund ant during the cold weather, it is hardly anywhere so numerous. Its small head, flat back, elongated form and elevated stern ren der it easily recognizable. In coloration the two sexes are almost equally sombre ; but the drake exhibits chestnut upper wing coverts. Both resemble the female of the mallard in colour, but the white secondary quills form one of the most readily per ceived characters of the species. The gadwall is increasing as a breeding species in Britain. It has been always esteemed for the table. The gadwall is found throughout the greater part of North America, but is uncommon in the Northeastern States, though occasionally seen near New York city.