Adult length: 15.7–19.3 in (40–49 cm); wingspan: 23.6–26 in (60–66 cm); adult weight: 16–31 oz (453–879 g). Adults have a crest at the back of the head which can be expanded or contracted. In adult males, this crest has a large white patch, the head is black and the sides of the duck are reddish brown. The adult female has a reddish crest, with much of the rest of the head and body a grayish-brown. Immatures resemble adult females. First-year males are similar to females, with the following exceptions: crest is a dull brown with a white patch, some black feathers on head and sides, bill dark, and eyes yellow.