38-43 cm (15-17") Common. Marshes, ponds, sewage lagoons, slow moving streams. Mostly a Western duck, especially of arid regions; casual in East. Small surface feeding duck.
Male: cinnamon head, neck and body; blackish back and wings; long dark bill. Interbreeds with Blue-winged Teal.
Female: Mottled brown overall; long dark bill. Looks very similar to females Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler. Interbreeds with Blue-winged Teal.
In flight: like Blue-winged Teal, light blue patch on forewing, green speculum.
Song: "chuck" notes, soft quack.