Ring-necked Duck
Waterfowl Identification
Ring-necked Duck, Aythya collaris, drakes have a barely visible brown ring at the base of the neck and a more noticeable white ring near the end of their gray bill. The head, breast, tail and back are black while the sides are white. The white triangle in front of the wing is visible from a distance. The hen has tan sides, a brown back and a less prominent ring on its bill.
Similar in appearance to scaups, but more often found in fresh marshes and wooded ponds. In flight, the dark wings are different from the white-edged wings of scaup. Fly as small flocks in open formation; often land without circling.
Length: 17"
Weight: 2 1/2 lbs.
Photos
Similar Species
In Flight
Sounds
Drakes purr and meow; hens have a loud squak, higher than a hen mallard's.