Ring-necked-Duck
Aythya collaris
Pato Collares
Song
Ring-necked Duck
The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The male Ring-necked Duck (43 cm - 17 in) has a black head, neck, and upper body, with a white crescent on its face and a gray back. It also has a distinct vertical white stripe on its chest and sides, along with a pointed gray bill with white ring near tip, and yellow eyes. The female has a brownish-gray body with a lighter face and a dark cap, gray cheeks, white eye-ring, white at base of bill, faint shoulder spur.
Habitat: Ring-necked ducks prefer freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands. They can be found in both open water areas and regions with dense emergent vegetation, providing cover and foraging opportunities. Found at elevations up to 2600 m.
Behavior: These ducks are skilled divers and foragers. They feed primarily on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They dive underwater to search for food, using their feet to propel themselves. Ring-necked ducks are known for their energetic and rapid diving behavior.
Breeding: Ring-necked ducks typically breed in the boreal forests of North America, rather than Colombia. They construct nests in dense vegetation near water bodies. Females lay a clutch of about 8-10 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young.
Conservation Status in Colombia: Ring-necked ducks are considered rare or occasional visitors to Colombia. They are not known to breed in the country. In terms of conservation status, they are generally regarded as a species of least concern as populations are stable across their wide geographic range.
Distribution
The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) is a migratory species that does not breed in Colombia. Its distribution in Colombia is limited to its occurrence as a winter visitor and occasional non-breeding resident in certain regions. Here is information on the distribution of the Ring-necked Duck in Colombia:
Northern Andes: During the winter months (November to March), Ring-necked Ducks can be found in certain high-altitude lakes and wetlands in the northern Andes of Colombia. Specifically, they have been reported in locations such as Chingaza National Natural Park, Laguna de Fúquene, and Laguna de La Herrera.
Other Regions: While less common, there have been occasional records of Ring-necked Ducks in other parts of Colombia, such as the wetland areas of the eastern and western lowlands, including La Cocha Lake in the department of Nariño, and Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast.
The Ring-necked Duck's presence in Colombia is mainly seasonal, and they are not known to breed in the country. They primarily migrate from their breeding grounds in North America to overwinter in Colombia and other parts of South America. Conservation efforts for the Ring-necked Duck in Colombia focus on protecting its wintering habitats, promoting habitat conservation, and raising awareness about the importance of wetland conservation for migratory waterfowl species.
Taxonomy
The taxonomy of the Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collar) is as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Aythya
- Species: Aythya collaris
The Ring-necked Duck belongs to the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. Within the Anatidae family, it is classified under the genus Aythya, which consists of diving ducks known for their underwater foraging behavior. The specific species name for the Ring-necked Duck is "collaris."
The taxonomy of birds, including ducks, can be subject to revisions as new research and genetic analysis provide further insights into their evolutionary relationships.
Vocalization
The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) is not particularly known for its elaborate vocalizations compared to some other duck species. However, they do produce various sounds for communication, particularly during courtship and territorial interactions. Here are a few common vocalizations of the Ring-necked Duck:
- Quacks: Similar to many ducks, the Ring-necked Duck produces a series of quack-like calls. These quacks are typically rapid, short, and soft, lacking the loudness and intensity often associated with mallard-like ducks.
- Whistles: Ring-necked Ducks can also emit whistling sounds, which are often described as high-pitched and somewhat squeaky. These whistling vocalizations are typically heard during courtship displays or in territorial disputes.
- Grunts or growls: During aggressive encounters, particularly between males competing for mates or territory, Ring-necked Ducks may produce growling or grunting sounds. These sounds are deep and throaty, with a low and guttural quality.
While these vocalizations may vary in frequency, intensity, and context, they generally serve as means of communication between individuals and are used to establish territory, attract mates, and maintain social interactions within their group.
