The ring-necked duck, which would have been better named "ring-billed duck" and is called "blackjack" in the southeastern United States, frequents different habits than the scaups with which is is often confused.

The black back, white crescent on the side just in front of the wing, and white-ringed bill separate the drake ring-neck from the scaups. The brownish neck ring of the male in alternate plumage is not prominent. The hen is a small dark brown duck with a buff face. Drakes in courtship give a head-throw accompanied by a wow note while hens utter a growling purr.

Ring-necks are uncommon summer residents in northeast Oregon and occasional breeders at lakes with emergent vegetation in Malheur County.

Hear the call of the ring-necked duck

Photo by Dave Budeau, ODFW