Ring-necked Duck vs Ferruginous Duck

In short

The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) and Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) can be distinguished by their head shape and bill markings. The Ring-necked Duck has a distinctive angular head profile and white bill markings, while the Ferruginous Duck has a more rounded head and lacks these bill markings.

Identification tips

1. Look for the angular head shape and white bill markings on the Ring-necked Duck. 2. Note the chestnut plumage and rounded head of the Ferruginous Duck. 3. Observe behavior: Ring-necked Ducks form larger flocks in winter, whereas Ferruginous Ducks are often in smaller groups.

Size

Both species are similar in size, being small to medium-sized diving ducks.

Plumage

The Ring-necked Duck features a dark head with a subtle ring around the neck that is often hard to see, and a distinctive white ring near the tip of its gray bill. In contrast, the Ferruginous Duck has a rich chestnut body and lacks the white bill markings.

Behaviour

Both species are diving ducks, but the Ferruginous Duck also engages in surface-feeding behaviors such as upending. Ring-necked Ducks are more social in winter, forming larger flocks compared to the typically smaller groups of Ferruginous Ducks.

Habitat

Ring-necked Ducks prefer shallow, freshwater wetlands with abundant vegetation, while Ferruginous Ducks are found in similar habitats but also frequent more open-water areas during winter.