Gadwall

🔍 Overview

A subtly beautiful dabbling duck, found across Sussex wetlands in winter and breeding in select sites. Very scarce breeder and scarce summer non-breeder; fairly common winter visitor; scarce on observed passage.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Male: Grey body, black rump, white wing patch

Female: Looks like a darker Mallard

Both: Neat, understated appearance

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Present at Pulborough Brooks, Brighton Marina, Worthing Beaches, Upper Adur Valley and Brooklands. Winters widely and breeds in small numbers.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Male emits a short, whistling “rak.” More reserved than Mallards, often in mixed flocks.