**Description:** A small, dark-gray water bird with a stark white beak and forehead shield; a member of the Rail family.
**Size & Weight:** 13–17 inches long. Weighs 1.3–1.8 lbs.
**Habitat:** Vegetated shorelines and quiet reservoir coves.
**Behavior:** More closely related to Cranes than ducks; they walk with a rhythmic head-bobbing motion and have lobed feet for swimming.