Passing migrant duck in spring (late February – April) and autumn (August – September). It’s frequently seen in the Akamas area in flocks flying over the sea that is often used as a resting place.

The species population passing through Cyprus overwinters in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and along the river Nile valley up to its estuary at the Mediterranean sea and migrates mainly to Europe and parts of western Asia where it breeds.

The male is easily identified by the rich brown head and the white supercilium (eye stripe above the eye), while the silvery-grey with white back creates a strong contrast between the body and the head. Females are much less colorful, like most duck species, with more brownish earth colors.