Gadwall, a fresh-water or river duck of the subfamily anatinoe, and the genus chaulelasmus (Gray). In this genus the bill is as long as the head, the lamellae distinctly visible below its lower edge, and its color black; the head and neck brownish white, each feather spotted with dusky, and the top of the head generally with a reddish tinge; lower neck, breast, back, and sides banded with narrow bars of black and white; rump and tail coverts black; greater wing coverts velvet black, middle chestnut, and speculum white with a black border. From its general color it is often called the gray duck. The length is about 22 in., the extent of wings

Gadwall (Chaulelasums streperus).-1. Male. 2. Female.

35, and the weight about 1 3/4 lb. The only species described is the G. streperus (Gray), which is generally considered the same in America and Europe. The gadwall is a good diver and swimmer, and walks uncommonly well; it is a rapid flier, with a whistling noise of the wings; in its excursions on land it nibbles the tender grass, and will eat acorns, seeds, and grain. Experiment has proved that this species is capable of domestication, the peculiarity of the plumage being retained.