Least Concern — widespread but declining in parts of its range due to wetland loss.

37–41 cm in length with a wingspan of 63–69 cm; a small, slender duck with long neck and narrow bill; males show a bold white eyebrow in breeding plumage.

Strongly migratory; breeds in Europe and western to central Asia.

Winters in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa; a common winter visitor across Indian wetlands.

May to July in the breeding range.

Nests on the ground near freshwater marshes, lakes, and reedbeds; clutch usually 8–11 eggs; female alone incubates.

Prefers shallow freshwater wetlands, flooded grasslands, marshes, and seasonal ponds; often seen in large flocks during migration and winter.

Omnivorous; feeds mainly on aquatic insects, larvae, crustaceans, molluscs, along with seeds and aquatic vegetation.