More Urban Species: Ring-necked duck

[urbpan]

The ring-necked duck is one of the many duck species that winters in Boston. It dives in fresh water for plants and invertebrates (unlike mallards, who mainly dabble). Its common and scientific names are confusing, since the subtle ring on its neck can best be seen when the bird is in the hand. Many New World animals were named by biologists wielding shotguns, naming birds and others after features easily seen on a carcass, but less so on a creature in the field. The bold ring on its bill is a better field marking.

Ducks migrating to cities like Boston take advantage of the fact that urban waterways often do not freeze, even when temperatures are low for a long time.

Comments

[temeres.livejournal.com]

Smart-looking bird. I like the bill. Apparently the first UK record was of a specimen found on sale in Leadenhall poultry market, London, in 1801.

[ankhanu.livejournal.com]

Awesome.
This is one of my favorite duck species, but not one we have in the winter. Alas, my cameras and lenses have never been up to the task of photographing them well, as they tend to be somewhat wary and always at a distance.