Is a ring-necked duck rare?

Quick Answer

No, the ring-necked duck is not considered a rare species overall. The ring-necked duck has a large population and a wide range across North America. However, its numbers have been declining in some regions, leading to rare sightings in certain areas.

Overview of the Ring-necked Duck

The ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris) is a medium-sized diving duck found throughout North America. Key facts about the ring-necked duck include:

• Scientific name: Aythya collaris
• Other common names: ringbill, ringbill duck
• Length: 18-20 inches
• Wingspan: 32 inches
• Weight: 1.5-1.75 lbs
• Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the wild
• Diet: Grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, mollusks, insects, crustaceans
• Range: Breeds across Canada, Alaska and the northern U.S. Winters south throughout the U.S. and into Mexico.
• Habitat: Ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers
• Conservation status: Least concern

The ring-necked duck gets its name from the subtle chestnut-colored ring around the base of its neck, visible when the bird stretches. The male has glossy black upperparts and head, while the female is gray-brown. They feed by diving underwater to find food.

Ring-necked Duck Population

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the ring-necked duck has a large global population estimated at 600,000 to 1.7 million individuals. They are distributed widely across North America in their breeding and wintering grounds.

However, analysis of Breeding Bird Survey trend data from 1966-2015 by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative shows that ring-necked ducks have declined significantly in the eastern and central regions of their breeding range:

This data suggests that while still common and widespread overall, ring-necked duck numbers have been decreasing in parts of their range, particularly in eastern and central North America.

Threats and Status

What factors could be contributing to the declining ring-necked duck population in some areas? Some key threats and issues facing the species include:

• Habitat loss and degradation – Draining of wetlands for development is reducing breeding habitat.
• Pollution – The ring-necked duck’s diverse diet exposes it to toxins in the water.
• Hunting – Ring-necked ducks are legal game and are hunted in many regions.
• Climate change – Could threaten habitat and food sources.
• Competition/predation – Compete for nest sites and are eaten by foxes, raccoons,snakes.

The ring-necked duck is not federally listed as endangered or threatened in the U.S., and is considered a species of Least Concern globally by the IUCN. However, experts note that continued monitoring of regional populations is important going forward. The ring-necked duck is protected in the U.S. by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Rare Sightings

While still common as a whole, the ring-necked duck has become increasingly rare in portions of its historic breeding range. Some areas in particular stand out:

Great Lakes

The ring-necked duck was once abundant in the Great Lakes region, but declined sharply in the late 1900s. The population rebounded somewhat but remains below historical numbers in places like Lake Ontario. Sightings are now uncommon in parts of the Great Lakes.

New England

At one time ring-necked ducks commonly bred across New England. But breeding numbers crashed in the 1900s to the point where the species is now rare during summer in southern New England. Occasional nesting pairs are still found in Maine and Vermont.

Mid-Atlantic Coast

The ring-necked duck was common in the Chesapeake Bay and other mid-Atlantic estuaries in the 1800s up through the mid-1900s. But the breeding population is now very small in states like Maryland and Virginia where winter sightings are more common.

Western Great Plains

While still abundant farther north, the ring-necked duck has declined as a breeding species on the prairies of Kansas and Nebraska where wetland losses have been extensive. Sightings are uncommon outside migration.

Where to See Ring-necked Ducks

While becoming rarer in portions of eastern North America, ring-necked ducks are still readily observed across much of their range, particularly during migration and winter. Some top locations include:

• Central California – Sacramento NWR, San Joaquin NWR
• Chesapeake Bay – Prime wintering area
• Florida Everglades – Large numbers in winter
• Midwest – Horicon NWR (WI), Jasper-Pulaski (IN)
• Northeast – Montezuma NWR (NY), Parker River NWR (MA)
• Pacific Northwest – Ridgefield NWR (WA), Malheur NWR (OR)
• Prairie Pothole Region – Breeds commonly in wetlands
• Coastal Texas – Winter resident along Gulf Coast

The ring-necked duck’s distinctive profile makes it stand out among diving ducks. Patience and a spotting scope are helpful during migration to pick them out mixed into large rafts of waterfowl. Prime viewing is often early morning or dusk when they are actively feeding.

Behavior and Ecology

Understanding more about the ring-necked duck’s behavior and role in its environment provides context on its population status:

Feeding

Ring-necked ducks feed by diving below the water surface. They mainly eat plant material like the leaves, stems, roots and seeds of pondweeds, wild rice and other aquatic plants. Their bill is well-adapted for grasping vegetation underwater. They also eat mollusks, aquatic insects and crustaceans. They will tip-up to feed in shallow water as well.

Breeding

Ring-necked ducks nest in concealed locations near water, typically in dense vegetation or reeds. The female builds the nest out of grasses and down, and lays 6-14 eggs. Incubation ranges from 25-30 days. Ducklings hatch simultaneously and follow the female soon after. The young fledge at around 7 weeks old.

Migration

Ring-necked ducks migrate in loose flocks, traveling at night and settling into wetlands to feed during the day. Their main migration corridors are along the Atlantic Coast, Mississippi River Valley and Great Lakes region. Migration peaks in April and October. Some remain all winter as far north as they can find open water.

Habits

Ring-necked ducks are somewhat wary ducks that prefer to stay tucked into vegetation for concealment as they feed and rest. Groups fragment and merge fluidly rather than maintaining pair bonds. Their call is a high-pitched whistling sound. Ring-necked ducks dive rapidly when startled and may stay underwater for over 30 seconds to escape danger.

Conservation and Research

Since ring-necked ducks utilize both breeding and migration/wintering habitats, conservation requires protecting a diverse array of wetlands across their range through measures such as:

• Habitat preservation and restoration
• Sustainable land and water use policies
• Limits to further wetland development/drainage
• Responsible hunting regulations
• Reducing pollution

Ring-necked ducks are also indicators of ecosystem health, since their varied diet exposes them to environmental toxins and pollution. Continued monitoring through surveys and banding is important to track populations. Planned research initiatives include studying the impacts of wind energy development and climate change projections.

Conclusion

In summary, while still a relatively common duck species, the ring-necked duck has shown concerning population declines in regions such as the Great Lakes and northeastern U.S. While they remain widespread during migration and winter, their breeding grounds are shrinking in portions of their range. Ongoing conservation action is needed to maintain wetland habitat and monitor ring-necked duck numbers going forward. Sightings are increasingly rare in areas where they were once abundant. But ring-necked ducks can still be readily observed across much of North America by birders who visit key wetland habitats during migration and winter periods. Their distinctive looks make them a favorite waterfowl species to spot.