noun
gadwall
GAD-wawl
Gadwall (noun) means a dabbling duck that breeds widely across the northern hemisphere. Example: “A pair of gadwalls fed quietly at the edge of the lake.”
noun
1
A dabbling duck that breeds widely across the northern hemisphere.
"A pair of gadwalls fed quietly at the edge of the lake."
"Birdwatchers spotted several gadwalls among the mallards on the pond."
"Being dabbling ducks, gadwalls feed by tipping forward at the water's surface rather than diving fully underwater."
How to use gadwall
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gadwall is a common type of duck found on lakes and wetlands.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday name used in birdwatching and ornithology.
Memory tip
Gadwalls are classed as dabbling ducks, and their scientific name is sometimes given as Mareca strepera or the older Anas strepera.
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Common pairings
a pair of gadwalls
a flock of gadwalls
spotting a gadwall
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A pair of _____ fed quietly at the edge of the lake.
Etymology
The origin of the word gadwall is not known. It has been in use in English since the seventeenth century.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of bird is a gadwall?
A gadwall is a dabbling duck found widely across the northern hemisphere.
Where do gadwalls live?
Gadwalls breed across the northern hemisphere and are found on lakes, ponds and wetlands.
What is the scientific name for a gadwall?
The gadwall's scientific name is Mareca strepera, also known by the older name Anas strepera.
What is the meaning of gadwall?
"gadwall" (noun) means a dabbling duck that breeds widely across the northern hemisphere.
