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On a sunny day, Ringneck ducks are fairly
easy to identify by the white rings on their bill,
cone-shaped purple head, and the black back above a
gray side. However, on cloudy days or lowlight
conditions, or a quick glance, ringnecks are often
misidentified as Lesser or Greater Scaup.
Ringnecks are named for a cinnamon band around
the base of its neck. You can look for it but its
nearly impossible to spot in the field.
Ringneck pair above, Shoveler hen
below.
The first and best advice to correct identification
of birds is
plan your time and position for observing so the
sun is behind you as you approach.
- Field marks for
Ringnecks
- Examine the head for shape and color:
Ringneck ducks have a distinctive cone-shaped
purple head. Scaup have a chunky, rounded head
of purple (Lesser) or green (Greater).
- Examine the back: Ringneck ducks have a
black back to the scaup's gray back.
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- Now try yourself at this quiz:
- Take a look at the pictures below and decide
for yourself what you found.
(Answers at the bottom
of the page.)
#1 
#2 
#3
Compare the body colors and head
shape of #1 and #2 to #3.
Notice the different head shape and striped
bill!
Answers
below
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.
.
.
.
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#1 and #2: Did you say Lesser Scaup? Good
job!
#3: Ring-necked Duck
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