Males have a bright rosy red bill with a bulbous basal shield that increases in size and color during the breeding season. They are purplish black on head and neck. The breast and back are clack with abdomen and flanks finely vermiculated black and white. The legs and feet are yellow to orange. Females are almost all brown, with a darker back. The bill is bluish and the legs and feet are orange/yellow to grayish.