Ring-necked Duck vs Greater Scaup

In short

The Ring-necked Duck and Greater Scaup are both medium-sized diving ducks, but they can be distinguished by their head shape and bill markings. The Ring-necked Duck has a more angular head profile with a distinctive white ring near the tip of its bill, while the Greater Scaup has a rounder head and lacks this bill ring.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white ring near the tip of the bill on the Ring-necked Duck. 2. Note the head shape: angular in Ring-necked Duck, round in Greater Scaup. 3. Check for the white vertical stripe on the side of male Ring-necked Ducks. 4. Observe the habitat: Ring-necked Ducks in smaller, vegetated wetlands; Greater Scaups in larger, open waters.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Greater Scaup is generally slightly larger and bulkier than the Ring-necked Duck.

Plumage

Male Ring-necked Ducks have a black back and a white vertical stripe on the side, while male Greater Scaups have a gray back and lack the stripe. Female Ring-necked Ducks have a white eye ring and a more pronounced face pattern compared to the more uniformly brown female Greater Scaups.

Behaviour

Both species are diving ducks and exhibit similar feeding behaviors, diving for food in shallow waters. However, the Ring-necked Duck is more often found in smaller flocks compared to the Greater Scaup.

Habitat

Ring-necked Ducks prefer shallow, freshwater wetlands with abundant vegetation, while Greater Scaups are more often found in larger bodies of water, including coastal areas and large lakes.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature in the field, as both species are generally quiet and their calls are not often heard.