Identification Tips:
Length: 13 inches Wingspan: 26 inches
Small, compact diving duck
Long, pointed bill with serrated edges
Erectile, fan-like crest extends from back of head
Dark bill and wings
Often cocks its tail like a Ruddy Duck
Immature similar to adult female
Adult male:
Yellow eye
Black head and back
Large white patch in the center of the crest
White breast and belly
Black and white stripes at forward portion of reddish flanks
Dark tail
Inner half of upperwings whitish, brodered by 2 dark bars
Alternate plumage worn from fall through early summer
Male in basic eclipse plumage similar to adult female
Adult female:
Brown eye
Cold gray-brown head, neck, flanks, back, and upperwings with paler breast
Faint reddish tinge to crest
White belly
Often seen in pairs, or very small flocks. Short rapid wingstrokes create an impression of great speed.
Winters in the inland waters of all coastal States; seldom goes to salt water. Voice: Seldom heard in fall.
