The Ring-necked Duck is confusingly named — the chestnut collar on the male's neck is nearly invisible in the field — and most birders identify it by the white ring near the tip of its bill. It is a diving duck that winters abundantly on freshwater lakes across the Southeast and Southwest. Unlike most diving ducks, it can take off from the water almost vertically.
Best time to see a Ring-necked Duck
The best time to see a Ring-necked Duck is January–April, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 52,891 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ring-necked Duck? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ring-necked Duck sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ring-necked Duck?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.