Ring-necked Duck showing the neck ring!

Ring-necked Duck.

The ringed neck on Ring-necked Duck is hard to see in the field. Instead, the ring on the bill, peaked crown, pale gray sides and black back, and the vertical white stripe on the side of the breast are more obvious marks.

This duck was named for the chestnut ring between the black chest and purple-sheened head. This photo I took last May shows it quite well.

Late winter is a good time to see these birds in fresh plumage. Then you may look for the neck ring, especially on sunny days.

A few years ago the BirdFellow blog tackled this question.

We have also discussed this bird in more detail in At the pond... Ring-necked Duck.