RING-NECKED DUCK

The Ring-necked Duck is a medium-sized diving duck and is named for a rarely seen chestnut colored neck ring usually only seen at close range.  It might be better named for the white ring on its bill!  As one of the wintering ducks in Falmouth, they are typically found on lakes and ponds and rarely in brackish and saltwater bays.  They tend to forage in shallow waters for aquatic plants and other food.  The Ring-necked Duck has black upperparts, pale gray sides, blue-gray bill, and yellow eyes.  This male was recently seen at Coonamessett Pond!