A medium sized duck with a Goose-like shape and feeding habits. The underparts has mid-brown spots and the upper-parts are grey with black and white plumes. Males are distinguished by a rich brown head and a black 'mane' (giving rise to one of its other names, Maned Goose) and has pale flanks finely patterned with dark lines, appearing grey from a distance. Female heads are paler brown and have white stripes above and below the eye.