Wildlife - Species
Species Specific Regulations
Ring-Necked Duck
Licenses: Hunting License required. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp
Limits: Please see Migratory Bird Regulations for any game zones restrictions or Limitations.
Ring-Necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Description
Similar in appearance to scaups. In flight, the
dark wings are different from the white-edged wings of
scaup.
Faint brown ring on drake’s neck never shows in the field; light bands at tip and base of bill are conspicuous.
Average Size
Ring-Necked Ducks have an average length of 17 inches and an average weight of 2 1/2 pounds.
Preferred Habitat
More often
found in fresh marshes and wooded ponds.
Typical Flock Pattern
Wings
Miscellaneous
- Fly as small flocks in open formation;often land without circling.
- Drakes purr; hens are usually silent.
Publications and Literature
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents: North American Waterfowl
South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl permit and Migratory Game Bird permit. Both permits must be in the hunter's possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. A state waterfowl permit is included with the Lifetime Senior, Lifetime Gratis and Disability Licenses. S.C. residents who hold a Lifetime Senior or Lifetime Gratis License are not required to have a Migratory Game Bird permit.
National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
The waterfowl permits and HIP permits are available from select DNR offices and from hunting and fishing license agents.
Dean Harrigal - Waterfowl Biologist
SCDNR
585 Donnelley Drive
Green Pond, SC 29446
Phone: 843-844-8957
Fax: 843-844-2525
E-mail: harrigald@dnr.sc.gov