Ring-necked ducks are found throughout North America mainly in aquatic habitats like lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They breed in the northern U.S. and Canada and winter in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
The life of a ring-necked duck
Ring-necked ducks grow up to a foot and half long and weigh up to 32 ounces. They live up to 10 years in the wild and can live 20 years or more in human care.
Ring-necked ducks breed in freshwater wetlands. Males often swim quickly while nodding their heads in a courtship display to attract mates. After mating, females lay eight to 10 eggs. Females build floating nests on water made of grasses, weeds and sedges lined with down. Males sometimes accompany females during egg-laying but do not stay to defend the nest. Females handle all parenting duties until the young can fly.
Ring-necked ducks are omnivores that feast on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Rather than dabbling on the water’s surface, they dive underwater to find food.
Predators include larger birds of prey like hawks, owls and bald eagles, and mammals like raccoons, minks and foxes.
Ring-necked ducks at the zoo
Located in the Cascade Stream and Pond area.
