Larger than a Pochard, the male has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight they show whitish primaries. Occasional wild birds come to the UK from the Continent but the UK breeding birds almost certainly all come from escaped birds.

Found mainly in southern and eastern England, where breeding populations have become established following escapes from captivity. Occasional wild birds may occur.

All year round

They dive, dabble and up-end for their food.

Widespread in England, though never common

A scarce winter bird of passage in Leicestershire and Rutland.