Habitat: This species can been found near water sources such as ponds, lakes and freshwater marshes. Distribution: This species breeds in North America, Europe and Asia. Species breeding in North American will migrate south during wither to northern South America. Natural History Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 43.18 cm and 50.80 cm (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The male can be recognized by its head and neck dark green colored, its black back, its white chest and by some white areas on the flanks. The female, on the other hand, is mottled brownish. However, in flight, both sexes have pale blue wing-coverts and green speculum. This species feeds sorting through mud and shallow water.