Occasionally ventures inland. Common resident or nomad of freshwater wetlands with floating vegetation. Crown, hind neck, breast band black. Brown upperparts white underparts. Immature bird duller, lacks comb and breast band.
Flight is direct with rapid wingbeat.
Flies low and fluttering, with long toes trailing and neck extended. If alarmed will suddenly freeze and then, because of the broken pattern of its plumage, is quite difficult to see. Swims well and will dive in emergency. A flat nest, built of sedge, is placed at water level. With weight of adult bird, the eggs are almost more in the water than out.