Seen during winter in south Texas. Seen during summer in the western half of the US and year round in west Texas, south New Mexico, south Arizona and south and coast of California. Rare east of the Rocky Mountains.

Seen in fresh or brackish marshes and ponds.

Round head, long bill, dark, and slightly spatulate like the shoveler. Light blue fore wing patches and green speculum. Male has chestnut colored body. Female has mottled brown body. Eclipse male and immature male closely resemble female.