A small duck (40 - 49 cm) with a long, narrow, serrated bill. It has a brownish-black back and wings, with a white underside. The male has a black head with a white, fan-shaped crest, which is bordered in black. The male’s iris is bright yellow, while the iris of females and immature males is duller brown.

Due to the rarity of this species in our area, a photo is required showing the identifying characters (unless identified or confirmed by a recognised expert).

Open water bodies and wet areas.

Most likely to be encountered as an escape from captivity.

Infrequently recorded in Britain but with a widespread scattering of records.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland, most likely to be encountered on large water bodies such as Rutland Water.