A handsome, generally uncommon, and rather shy duck of quiet vegetated lakes, forested rivers, and marshy wetlands; no similar species in range. Usually found in pairs or family groups, sometimes associating with other ducks but as often slightly separate. Sexes look alike with a bold white face patch (“spectacle”), a white collar, and orange legs. The large purplish or bronzy wing panel is often hidden when swimming (an old name for this bird was Bronze-winged Duck).