The Ring Neck Duck

01-30-2007, 07:19 AM

Brokenwing Chronicles
The Ring Neck Duck
Aythya collaris

This species might better be called the "Ring-billed Duck," for its chestnut neck ring is usually seen only at close range, while the white ring on the bill can be a prominent field mark. More partial to acid ponds and lakes in wooded regions than other diving ducks, it eats the seeds of aquatic plants as well as snails and insects. Because it never gathers in large flocks it has not been hunted extensively like some of its relatives. A fast flier, the Ring-neck undertakes longer migrations than most other diving ducks.
description 14-18" (36-46 cm). Male has black back and breast; purple-glossed, black-appearing angular head; pale gray flanks; vertical white mark on side of breast. Female brownish, paler around base of bill, with narrow white eye ring. Bill pale gray with white ring. The high angular shape of the head and white ring on bill distinguish this bird from the scaup

http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i1500id.html
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAbou...cked_Duck.html

BW