Ring-Necked Duck

Description: Ring-necked ducks are named for the reddish-brown rings around their necks, which are difficult to see except at close range. The drake has a black peaked head with a blue-purple sheen. The back is black, while the chest is white and the sides are grayish-white. It has a tri-colored bill with a small white line at the base, followed by a wide dark gray bar, a white ring, and a black tip. Hens are grayish-brown with a white eye ring, a grayish face, and a peaked crown that grows darker further down the neck and back. The bill is dark gray with a white ring before the tip. Hens and drakes have dark gray legs and feet. Average size: 16-18 inches. Average weight: 1-2 pounds.

Science: Ring-necked ducks breed across much of Canada and parts of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes area, using small lakes and marshes in wooded areas. Their migration begins in September, when they form small flocks consisting of a few dozen birds. They winter in freshwater lakes across much of the southern United States and Mexico and eat leaves and seeds of aquatic plants. Unlike many other divers, they prefer shallow water and are not often seen in saltwater. Their population is increasing.

Hunting: Most are shot by hunters seeking other waterfowl, though some hunters target this species using the same techniques used for scaup. The eating quality is good.