Characterization: Small to medium-sized species measuring about 23cm in length. It is grayish-brown, has a large white mirror on its wings, and its eyes are light yellow; its neck is black in the breeding season. It is the smallest fishing bird in the continent and can move up to 8m while submerged, being able to stay underwater for up to 15s.

Distribution: From the southern US to northern Argentina.

Habitat: It is found in any body of water, even in very small artificial wells.

Habits: Diurnal and aquatic species.

Diet: Essentially carnivorous, this bird feeds on fish, aquatic insect larvae and crustaceans; it may also eat plants.

Breeding: It lays 4 to 6 eggs; its nests are floating, only a part of which above the water line.

In the UFRA area: In studies done in the UFRA areas, this bird species is uncommon, having been seen only 8 times. It was found in four different habitats, in floodplains with riparian forests in drainage ditches, and in forests and fields in spontaneous regeneration.