THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
RING-NECKED DUCK – Aythya collaris
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
Ring-necked Duck was originally described from a bird that was for sale at Leadenhall Market in London in 1801, it was apparently 'obtained' in the Lincolnshire Fens. The first documented British record comes from as recently as 1955. The scientific name 'collaris' is a clear reference to the birds cinnamon neck collar, however some authorities believe it should be called Ring-billed Duck due to its quite obvious bill pattern.
There have been four Ring-necked Ducks reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1988: (2)
Two, both males were found on April 2nd at New Passage. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.
2000: (2)
On April 13th an adult male was identified at Oldbury Power Station on the small pool near Lagoon III and would remain until May 4th; On November 2nd a male visited Orchard Pools near Severn Beach.
Ring-necked Duck at Oldbury Power Station. April 2000.
© Iain Leach.