Male, in flight general effect black and white, with dark green in distinctly crested head and neck, thin blood-red bill and legs. Female, similar but head cinnamon-brown with glistening white throat, back grayish brown, conspicuous black and white wings. Identifying in flight by elongated Grey body, rufous head, white throat, broad whitish wing-patch, slender neck and thin blood red bill and legs. Many breed in the northern Tibetan faces, chiefly whiter visitor. Small parties on clear, rapid streams, more commonly in the foothills but also the upper reaches, locally to at least 3000m.
Parties often hunt in coordination.
A glistening white, fish eating water bird. Young has much white on underside. Small parties and flocks swimming low in water and diving for fish, or resting on midstream rocks in upright position, wings spread out to dry. Used under License.