Ring-necked duck

Ring-necked ducks dive in fairly shallow water and are more at home on small ponds and swamps than most diving ducks. They gather in flocks and take off by running across the water.

The faint chestnut ring on the male's neck that gives the bird its name is almost impossible to see; the ring on the bill is what catches the eye.

Ring-necked ducks are one of the most numerous wintering ducks on Georgia's inland ponds and reservoirs, and for many people they are the diving duck they see most. They feed on seeds and small animals in shallow wetlands that larger diving ducks pass by.

Nest — A bowl of plants in marsh vegetation close to water
Eggs — Usually 8 to 10
Incubation — About 25 to 29 days
Ducklings — Leave the nest within a day
Flight — At about seven to eight weeks
Lifespan — Usually a few years

• Farm ponds and small lakes with plant growth are enough for them in winter.
• Lead shot and fishing weights on pond bottoms poison diving ducks.

• The name comes from the white ring on the bill. It refers to a faint brown collar on the male's neck, which is rarely visible.

• Lesser scaup
• Greater scaup
• Redhead