Kingdom: Animalia       Phylum: Chordata       Class: Aves (Birds)       Order: Anseriformes       Family: Anatidae

Gadwall (Anas strepera) - image © Rajiv Lather
 

Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a common winter visitor in India. Gadwall generally prefers freshwater reedy marshes, jheels and water bodies. Gregarious, and keeps near emergent vegetation.

Identification: Body generally dark brown and grey; tail velvety-black, chestnut patch with the black-and-white speculum.

Size: 50 cm    Local names: Myla, Bhuar, Beykhur

Food: seeds, shoots, tubers, weeds, grain and less commonly insects, worms, molluscs