It is probably closest in evolution to the bloke duck. Especially its coloring and croaking are very similar to those of the mallard duck. However, crake ducks are slimmer in build and slightly less heavy. The beak is much finer. The general appearance is that of a dark gray bird but marked up close with yellowish and dark gray wavy lines. A very important distinction is the short white mirror that is immediately noticeable in jumping ducks. In overflying ducks, we do not see that white mirror so clearly because the underside of the wing is very pale. The bird flies faster than the bloke duck and also with a faster wing beat.
The duckling lets out a growling sound but also sometimes whistles, and the duck’s croaking begins with a distinctly louder first “quack.”
They like fresh water and, as true groundhogs, because of their smaller and softer bill, they rely on softer food that can be of either vegetable or animal origin.