Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

Ring-necked Duck, male Ring-necked Duck (male) image © David McDonald

Family: (Anatidae) Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Preferred Habitat: Freshwater marshes and woodland ponds

Seasonal Occurrence: Fairly common November through March

Notes: Ring-necked Ducks are classified along with the scaups as Diving Ducks. Awkward on land, they spend most of their time in the water. Ring-necked Ducks prefer more sheltered waters than scaups. Both males and females have ringed bills, although the male's is much more prominent. Male Ring-necked Ducks also have a thin white band at the base of the bill and a thin cinnamon neck ring. This ring is usually obscured in the field. The white eye-ring of females helps to distinguish them from other female ducks.
- Susan Billetdeaux