This small duck has a thin, short serrated bill for catching fish. In flight, primaries and secondaries are blackish. The upper wing sports a large white patch, and the underwing coverts are white. Male: White overall, with a black back, pale gray sides, and black vertical lines extending down from the shoulder. The head shows a bushy white crown, black nape, and black mask. Female: Gray-brown overall, with a rufous head and extensive white on the throat. Young males resemble females, but with more white on the head, a rufous crown, and limited dark brown mask.

Length: 37 (cm) Wingspan: 61 (cm)

Habitat:

Nests in tree cavities near lakes and rivers. Winters along coasts and on larger lakes.

Behavior:

Feeding:

Dives for fish.