A chunky dabbling duck with short legs and a long tail. The distinctive head shape, characterized by a steep forehead, high forecrown, and sloped crown, is less round than most other dabbling ducks. Male: Head is mostly gray with fine black mottling with a white crown, and a bold iridescent green stripe extending back from the eye. Some “blond” individuals show a buffy yellow crown with extensive buffy yellow on the cheeks. The bill is blue-gray with a black tip and thin black line around the base. The back, breast, and sides are a uniform pinkish brown, slightly darker on the back. The belly and flanks are white, contrasting with the black vent area. In flight, a large white patch on the leading edge of the upper wing is obvious. In Summer and early Fall adult males assume a cryptic female-like appearance. Female: The head is mottled gray, contrasting with the chestnut brown breast and sides. The bill is similar to that of the male, but may lack the black line around the base. The belly and flanks are white, the vent and upper tail areas are mottled gray-brown. In flight, shows a dingy light patch on the wing. The axillaries (wingpits) are white, compared to the gray axillaries of the similar Eurasian Wigeon.

Length: 46 (cm) Wingspan: 76 (cm)

Voice:

Males give a two- or three-syllable breathy whistle whoo-WHOOO-whoo.

Habitat:

Breeds near small freshwater ponds and marshes surrounded by grass/brush. Winters on lakes, ponds, estuaries, sheltered coastal bays, pastures, and parks and golf courses with large expanses of lawn.

Behavior:

Migrates in small groups, but forms large flocks on wintering grounds.

Feeding:

Dabbles for aquatic plants and insects; grazes on grasses and clovers.