Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

GADWALL.

135. Chaulelasmus streperus. 20 inches.

Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum; the female is similar but the back and wings are brownish-gray. As is usual with many of the ducks these do most of their feeding early in the morning or after dusk, and spend the greater part of the day in sleeping. They are one of the most noisy and active of the ducks.

Nest.—They nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering fields. They lay from 7 to 12 eggs of a creamy buff color (2.10 × 1.60).

Range.—Includes the whole of North America, breeds from British Columbia to southern California.

MALLARD.

132. Anas platyrhynchos. 23 inches.

These are regarded as one of the best table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water.

Nest.—In close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their nests in the tall grasses of which it is made and lined with feathers. Breed from Alaska to southern California (2.25 × 1.25).