Ring-necked Duck

About this Species

The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) is a migratory diving duck species found in North America. During the winter months, it can be observed in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is an important stopover site for waterfowl during migration. The species' breeding range extends across northern Canada and Alaska, where it prefers freshwater ponds and lakes with emergent vegetation.

Ring-necked Ducks are highly adapted to diving, with their bodies streamlined and their wings small and pointed. They are also excellent swimmers, using their feet for propulsion underwater. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish, which they find by diving to the bottom of the water body they are in. During the breeding season, Ring-necked Ducks form pairs and build nests in the emergent vegetation surrounding their chosen body of water. The female lays around 8-10 eggs, which both parents incubate for around 26-28 days.

In summary, the Ring-necked Duck is a migratory diving duck species found in the Yucatan Peninsula during the winter months. It is highly adapted to diving and swimming, and its diet consists of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. During the breeding season, it forms pairs and builds nests in the emergent vegetation surrounding freshwater ponds and lakes in northern Canada and Alaska.