Ring-necked Duck
Ring-necked Duck
85
2 days ago
+5
The Ring-necked Duck is a medium-sized diving duck of North America. The male is characterized by a black back, grey flanks, a white vertical stripe near the breast, and a subtle reddish-brown neck ring (often difficult to see). Females are brownish with a light facial patch and a white ring near the tip of their grey bill. Both sexes have a distinctive peaked head shape.
Where to spot
Breeds across Canada and the northern United States. Winters widely across the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Prefers small, shallow, vegetated freshwater ponds, lakes, and bogs, often in forested areas.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive peaked head shape. Males have a black back, grey flanks, and a white stripe at the base of the bill, leading to a prominent white 'spur' on the side. Females have a pale patch at the base of the bill and a noticeable white bill ring. They are diving ducks, often seen in freshwater habitats.
When to spot
Most commonly observed during spring and autumn migration periods (March-May and September-November) when they can be found on larger bodies of water. Present on breeding grounds in summer and wintering grounds in winter.
Where to spot
Breeds across Canada and the northern United States. Winters widely across the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Prefers small, shallow, vegetated freshwater ponds, lakes, and bogs, often in forested areas.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive peaked head shape. Males have a black back, grey flanks, and a white stripe at the base of the bill, leading to a prominent white 'spur' on the side. Females have a pale patch at the base of the bill and a noticeable white bill ring. They are diving ducks, often seen in freshwater habitats.
When to spot
Most commonly observed during spring and autumn migration periods (March-May and September-November) when they can be found on larger bodies of water. Present on breeding grounds in summer and wintering grounds in winter.
Credits:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Publiek Domein
Credits:
Gerrita
The 'ring' on the male Ring-necked Duck's neck is often obscured and hard to see, making its common name somewhat misleading; the white ring at the bill tip is usually more noticeable.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 14 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 2 days ago
Monthly observations
15 observations
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