Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway
Ring-Necked Duck (Ringbill, Blackjack)
Male - Winter
Body: Medium-sized duck, 1 1/2 - 2 pounds, 16-18 inches long. Black back, chest and rump with white crescent on side. Belly white. Head blackish purple with distinct crest. Faint chestnut ring around neck. Eyes yellow-orange. Bill gray with white band at base and toward tip. Feet grayish blue. Wings: Greenish-glossed coverts. Speculum pearl gray with faint white trailing edge. Voice: Purr. In Flight: Dark head, neck, back and rump contrast with white belly. Wingbeat fast. Flight formation open.
Male - Fall
Ranging from mottled brownish black with dusky white belly to near-winter coloration. Faint white crescent on sides. Eyes, bill, feet and wings same as in winter.
Female - All Seasons
Body: Blackish brown back. Brown head, neck and sides. Belly white. Whitish eye-ring and face-patch. Eyes brown. Bill, feet and wings similar to male. Voice: Occasional purr.
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