Stragglers
migrate south in mid-fall, but the largest numbers
move just ahead of freezeup. Most flocks in feeding
areas are small - 5 or 6 birds, with more hens and
immatures than adult drakes. Very small size, bold
black and white color pattern and low, swift flight
are field marks. Unlike most divers, they can fly
straight up from a watery takeoff.
White
wing lining in contrast to very dark body plumage
is a good identification clue. The hen's quack and
the drake's kwek-kwek are duplicates of the mallards.
