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Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Ring-necked Duck Photo

© Michael J.Hopiak / CLO

The most common diving duck to be found on small ponds in migration, the Ring-necked Duck is more easily recognized by the bold white ring around its bill than the subtle purplish one around its neck.

Birds of North America Online
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
15.4–18.1 in
39–46 cm
Wingspan
24.4–24.8 in
62–63 cm
Weight
17.3–32.1 oz
490–910 g
Other Names
  • Morillon á collier (French)
  • Pato de collar (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • Both the common name and the scientific name "collaris" refer to one of the Ring-necked Duck's most inconspicuous field marks. Rarely visible in the field, the chestnut collar on the black neck is noticeable when the bird is in the hand. Such subtle characters would have been obvious to the people first describing the duck from dead specimens.

Habitat


Lake/Pond
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Food


Plants
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Nesting

Nest Placement

Ground
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Behavior


Surface Dive
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern
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Credits

  • Hohman, W. L., and R. T. Eberhardt. 1998. Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris). In The Birds of North America, No. 329 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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Range Map Help

Ring-necked Duck Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings
Project FeederWatch