In the hand, and when fully plumed, ring-necked ducks have more tufted heads than bluebills. Most noticeably, ringnecks have gray speculums (on the tops of their wings), not white, like bluebills.

BEMIDJI — For the first time in more than a half-century mallards were not the most common duck shot by Minnesota waterfowl hunters in 2022 — topped by both blue-winged teal and ring-necked ducks.

Female ring-necked's have pale feathering around the base of the bill and a brownish-grey body. "Ring–necked Ducks are fairly well-established in captivity, likely due to their preference for ...