This species is one of the few ducks in North America, in which the males have a different winter and breeding plumage. Typically these diving ducks swim on the water\'s surface with their tails raised into the air. They feed underwater on insect larvae, other aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic vegetation. The nest is constructed of aquatic grass and reeds and placed at the base of tall reeds. Frequently females place their eggs in the nests of other duck, coot and rail species and become brood parasites.
The four-digit banding code is RUDU.
