Characterization: Medium-size species measuring about 38cm in length. It has dark gray/black plumage, with white rows along its flank, and a bright red fleshy shield that joins the beak, which has a yellow tip. 

Distribution: In Brazil and almost throughout the planet, except for Australia and New Zealand.

Habitat: It is common in lakes with aquatic vegetation and marshy margins.

Habits: A twilight, restless species; it usually joins flocks that migrate to warmer regions during the winter.

Diet: Omnivorous, this bird can feed on grass, corn sprouts, small water snakes, insects, and even cattle manure larvae.

Breeding: It lays up to 7 eggs open in cattail nests built at the edge of the water.

In the UFRA area: This bird species was found wetlands with riparian forests, wetlands with herbaceous plants, and in the restored native forests. It is a rare species in these areas, as it was seen only 3 times.