The Ring-necked duck nests in Canada and the northernmost United States, but migrates during the winter to southern United States, Mexico and Central America. Since this photo was taken in one of the lakes around San Diego, this is probably a duck on a winter visit. The Ring-necked duck is very similar to its close European relative, the Eurasian tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) but clearly differs from that one in that the male lacks the obvious head tuft. However, body shape and behavior are strikingly similar. Nevertheless, up close, you are struck by the special, three-colored bill: lead gray with a white transverse stripe and a black tip. For a long time I thought that that black and white "ring" was what defined the "Ring-necked duck". But that was wrong. Later I understood that "ring" in the name refers to the small dark red or cinnamon-colored field on the throat. From a distance it is almost impossible to see it, but in a photograph like this it is relatively clear (even if the shadow from the bill darkens it a bit). So this is what a male Ring-necked duck looks like!