Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

Despite the name, the brownish ring on it's neck is rarely visible in the field. Ring-necked Ducks are a diving duck that migrate through the state, summering only in the northeastern part of the state.  As with most ducks, male and female plumage is dramatically different (see photo of male and female to the right).

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, sloughs, and marshes

Diet: Primarily aquatic plants. Also aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Behavior: Diving duck, normally feeding by diving in relatively shallow water, although they will also occasionally feed similarly to dabbling ducks. Female ducks will stay with fledglings an unusually long time compared to most ducks.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Ring-necked Duck Song

Migration: Summers through Canada, the upper Midwest and Plains, and New England. Winters in the Southern U.S., along the coasts, and in Mexico.

Similar Species: Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup

Conservation Status: Populations stable and expanding in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ring-necked Duck

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Ring-necked Duck"

3) eNature.com: Ring-necked Duck

Photo Information:  April 5th, 2008 - Dewey Gevik Nature Area near Sioux Falls - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ring-necked Duck photos.