Adventures Outdoors'
In Wisconsin
RINGNECK
(Aythya collaris)
ABOUT THEM
They migrate through the Central and Mississippi flyways to their wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic coast of the USA. They typically seek out small lakes, marshes, and swamps and nest on flooded or floating vegetation. The Hen lays between 8-10 eggs. The 2001 breeding population in the eastern survey area was just over 300,000 birds which is a 43% decline over 2000. The decline is largely unknown. Being a diver their main diet consists of aquatic plants, insects and animals. They are most commonly referred to as Ringbills because of their distinct ring around the bill.
DESCRIPTION
The Drake has a glossy-purple head, black breast, dark greenish glossed back, gray flanks, white sides and belly, grayish bill with a black tip separated from the rest of the bill by a white ring, pale blue wing speculum, and a separation in color on the neck that gives upon close examination a visible ring around the neck which is where the Duck got their name. Their legs and feet are a gray-blue and the Drake has yellow eyes. The Hen is mottled brown with a white ring above the eye and white line extending from this ring to the back of the head. The Hen makes a trrrr sound while the Drake is mostly silent except for a quite soft whistle.
SIZE
Ave. Length = Drake, 17" Hen, 16.6"
Ave. Weight = Drake, 1.6lbs Hen, 1.5lbs