A large, russet-coloured duck with a black bill and legs.
Male has a diagnostic grey head. Female has a variable white-and-grey head, whereas White-faced Duck has a white-and-back head. In flight, both sexes show white forewings but lack the black dividing line of Egyptian Goose. Juvenile is like male but duller, and the head is suffused with brown.
Fresh water lakes and dams in drier areas. Nests underground in mammals burrows.
Various honks and hisses.