An obvious escape, this bird was first seen standing by the Heronry Pond and was not very nervous of people's approch. Later swimming in the lake, it was not seen the following day.

The species is a very widespread one, breeding across the world's tropical regions including Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Its classification puts it closer to the geese than to ducks.