BIRDS OF ICELAND : Anas strepera, Gadwell

Anas strepera; Gadwalls are rather rare on Iceland, generally found in the eastern region (Mývatn). The male can easily be recognized by its almost all grayish appearance. Only the wings carry a red-colored area (top-front part of the wing, only visible when wings are spread). Further characteristic is the textured neck/breast. The female resembles the common female mallard but has a larger white spot on the wing visible when swimming. In flight it shows that it is a white spot on the top-back part of the wing whereas the female mallard is blue colored with a white lining on the top-back part of the wing. It breeds along vegetated fresh water lakes and rivers. Nearly all Iceland Gadwalls migrate to the British isles.