This tiny diving duck may hold its stiff tail upright or allow it to trail in the water. In flight, white patch on inner wing is obvious. Male: In alternate plumage, shows a black face with a blue bill. Neck and breast are rusty brown. Body is rusty brown with black mottling. Female: Dull brown with dark mottling. Buffy face is highlighted by dark crown, pale supercillium, and two dark lines across the cheek. Dark bill. Juvenile birds and males in alternate plumage resemble female. Males show bolder stripes on the face.

Length: 33 (cm) Wingspan: 43 (cm)

Habitat:

Shallow lakes with lots of emergent vegetation.

Behavior:

Secretive, usually swims in heavy cover or mostly submerged. Unlike similar Ruddy Duck, Masked Duck can take off directly from water’s surface without a running start.

Feeding:

Dabbles and dives for aquatic vegetation.