Similar size and structure as Pochard in direct comparison, apart from a rather peaked crown. Some tail feathers considerably abraded, thus indicating a putative first year individual. Dark grey-brownish above, with fine vermiculation on paler grey flanks, which had an smoky hue. Chestnut to reddish head, with a contrastingly darker breast. Some pale, creamy white, at the undertail feathers. Whitish belly. The wing pattern could not be observed. Bill pattern resembling that of male Pochard, with a broad black band at the tip and a dark grey base, showing a hint of subterminal whitish band. Rather whitish eyes.