A chunky mid-sized goose. Standing bird looks fairly dull, gray and dirty white, sometimes showing blue along the edge of the wing. Flying bird shows pale blue and iridescent green patches in the upperwing and a white patch on the underwing. Found in montane wetlands and adjacent grasslands, often in pairs or small groups, occasionally in large flocks. Less colorful and boldly marked than other similarly-sized waterfowl species. The calls are high-pitched whistles and yelps.