With its thin bill curving up to a round head, long neck, slender body, and long tail, this dabbling duck can usually be identified by shape alone. Male: Chocolate brown head with a bluish bill. The white of the breast extends in a distinctive line up the sides of the neck. The underparts are white. The back and sides are mostly gray. Tail feathers form a long spike which gives the species its name. In Summer and early Fall adult males assume a cryptic female-like appearance.Female: Warm brown with darker mottling, lighter head and neck, and white belly. The speculum is brown and inconspicuous. The tail, while shorter than that of males, is still significantly longer that those of other species. The bill is dark gray.

Length: 53 (cm) Wingspan: 74 (cm)

Voice:

Male gives a short whistling call during courtship. Female gives a weak quack.

Habitat:

Shallow wetlands, flooded fields, estuaries, agricultural fields.

Behavior:

Nesting often occurs a considerable distance from water. The birds’ preference for short grasslands and agricultural fields makes nests especially vulnerable to predators and farm equipment.

Feeding:

Feeds on grains in fields. Dabbles for aquatic plant seeds and invertebrates. Occasionally dives.