Country diary: finely dressed gadwall has an air of austere decency

Airedale, West Yorkshire: Neck held straight, upright and officer-like, the drake appears dressed in close-fitted tweeds, a fine houndstooth of tan and grey

I don't know a bird book that has much to say about the gadwall (Anas strepera). Generally this unobtrusive winter duck is compared with the more common mallard, and comes off worse: smaller (just), duller (much), either shriller (the duck) or coarser (the drake) in quack. But like many a winter bird - think of the intricate copper-trimmed scalloping of a starling's non-breeding plumage - the gadwall repays a little close attention.