Diving into facts about ring-neck duck

Although this bird is named the ring-neck duck, it is most easily identified by the white ring close to the black tip of its bill. It is a common diving duck and will dive to escape danger. A smart little duck, this one will sometimes even elude hunters by diving, swimming underwater for several yards to another location, surfacing and flying away.

The ring-neck does not breed in Southeast Missouri but does migrate and winter here. Main food sources include aquatic snails, plants and insects that live underwater. The ring-neck duck is relatively small, about 16 inches long. It generally stays in marshy or swampy areas. During cold weather when these shallow quiet waters freeze over, ring-neck ducks will seek open water on larger lakes or migrate farther south.

In order to take flight, a ring-neck duck must run across the surface of the water during takeoff. Ring-necks will sometimes migrate in huge numbers. When coming in for landing, a large flock may completely cover the surface area of a small marsh or pond. This duck is a favorite of some duck hunters.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell.