description Ring-necked Duck Overview
The ring-necked duck is a medium-sized North American diving duck that breeds mainly on wooded freshwater lakes and ponds in Canada and the northern United States. The male has a black head, gray flanks, white bill markings, and a chestnut neck ring that is difficult to see in the field. It migrates south for winter and feeds by diving for aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates.
help Ring-necked Duck FAQ
Where does the ring-necked duck breed?
The ring-necked duck breeds mainly in wooded freshwater lakes and ponds across Canada and the northern United States. It migrates to wintering areas that can include the southern United States and Mexico.
How can you identify a male ring-necked duck?
The male has a black head, dark breast, gray flanks, and a white bill marking near the tip. Its chestnut neck ring gives the species its name but can be difficult to see in the field.
Is the ring-necked duck a diving duck?
Yes, it is a medium-sized diving duck that feeds by submerging in freshwater habitats. It is closely associated with ponds, lakes, marshes, and other wetlands where it can reach aquatic plants and invertebrates.
How is a ring-necked duck different from a scaup?
The ring-necked duck usually shows a distinctive white ring near the bill and a more peaked head profile. Scaup generally have a broader, less sharply marked bill pattern, so bill shape and the white facial markings are useful field clues.
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