Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
ANATIDAE Members:
General Comments
Though not one of our more abundant ducks, the Gadwall is one of the few that nests in some numbers in the state, but only near the coast; however, in recent years this population has crashed and the species is rather scarce now. The population, especially in winter, in the state has been on the slow increase over the past 50 years, as it was rare at many inland sites several decades ago. It breeds in fresh to slightly brackish marshes near ponds and impoundments. In winter, as with nearly all dabbling ducks, it occurs on lakes, ponds, and impoundments, generally where open or marshy (not near forested cover).
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
The species' status on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina: either Definitive, Provisional, or Extinct, as administered by the NC Bird Records Committee. The Provisional List contains species for which there are less than three accepted sight (i.e., non-documented) records. Species of unaccepted origin are not included on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina.
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S2B,S4N
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Formerly uncommon to locally fairly common breeding summer resident along and near the northern and central coast, south to Carteret; apparently absent as a breeder southward and away from the coast. However, since about 2020, the breeding population is greatly diminished, and it is now rare to locally uncommon as a breeder in this area. Most birds breed in the Pea-Bodie islands area. Fairly common to common (locally very common) winter resident in the Tidewater and coastal areas, south to Carteret; uncommon to fairly common along the southern coast. Farther inland, it is mostly uncommon to locally fairly common. Generally mid-Sep to early Apr, where it does not nest. Peak counts:
Piedmont
Winter resident. Uncommon in most areas, but locally fairly common; generally late Oct to early Apr. A few summer records. Peak counts: 2.000+, Pee Dee NWR, on several dates since 2000.
Mountains
Winter visitor. Rare, in low elevations (mainly below 2,500 feet). Very rare at higher elevations. Late Oct into Apr. Peak counts: 100+ on Lake Osceola (Henderson).
Finding Tips
****
The coastal NWR's are good for finding nearly all of the dabbling ducks, including the Gadwall. A day spent at Pea or Bodie islands, or at Lake Mattamuskeet, in the fall or winter will certainly turn up the species. It can be difficult to find this species at many inland counties.