Odd shy duck with a distinctly ‘farmyard’ appearance. Distinctive white head can be quite clean-looking or densely speckled with black, depending on age and sex. When at rest or foraging, predominantly dark with white patches in the wings and on the head. Extensive white wing patches most noticeable when the bird is in flight. Inhabits quiet, secluded forest waterways. Retreats into undisturbed recesses of these waterways outside of dawn and dusk.