This dabbling duck is slightly smaller than Mallard and American Black Duck, and is a uniform medium brown in color. The dark feathers have buffy edges. Females have wider buffy edges and buffy chevrons on the flanks, making them look lighter overall. Head and neck are lighter, with unmarked buffy throat, indistinct dark line through the eye, and a small black spot at the gape. Speculum is bluish green, bordered in black. Trailing edge of speculum may have a thin white border. Male’s bill is plain yellow. Female’s bill is olive-yellow or dull orange, with dark markings on the culmen. In flight, white underwings contrast with body.

Length: 51 (cm) Wingspan: 76 (cm)

Voice:

Quacking, similar to Mallard but a bit softer.

Habitat:

Shallow freshwater and brackish marshes and ponds.

Behavior:

Usually found in pairs or very small flocks. Occasionally forms large flocks in flooded rice fields.

Feeding:

Dabbles for aquatic plants, invertebrates, fish, and grain.