Gadwalls are medium-sized ducks do not have the striking colors of other ducks. They stand out by their subdued elegance. It is considered to be a sister species with the falcated duck, according to DNA studies. The male of this species weighs about 35oz while the female weighs about 30oz, making the male larger than the female. This duck was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 in his Systema naturae.

During breeding, the male gadwall has a gray pattern with a black rump, light chestnut colored wings and a brilliant white speculum. During eclipse, the male is similar in appearance to the female. The female is patterned light brown and buff. They have a thin orange edging on their dark bills. Gadwalls are about the same size as Mallards. The difference is gadwalls have a large, square head with a steep forehead. The bill is remarkably thinner than a Mallard's.

There is no wastage of feed when an automatic feeder is available. The PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder not only saves feed but also discourages vermin onto the site. If feeding corn, the ¾ inch or 1-inch regulator disc can be used. When the feed is crumble or milo, the 3/8-inch regulator disc from PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder can be used.

Gadwalls can be found in open wetlands, such as prairie or steppe lakes, wet grassland or marshes with dense vegetation. Gadwalls tend to form small flocks. They feed by dabbling for plant food with their head under the water. It has also been observed the gadwalls stealing food from flocks of diving ducks or coots. They also feed on molluscs and insects during the nesting season. The clutch is an average of 7-12 eggs.