blacknecked

Blacknecked is a common name or descriptive term used in ornithology and other natural history references for several species whose necks are predominantly black or appear black in certain plumages. It is not a taxonomic group, but a labeling tactic that can apply to unrelated species across different genera when their neck coloration is a distinguishing feature.

One well-known example is the black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), a small waterbird that breeds on shallow lakes and marshes. In breeding plumage it shows a dark, almost black neck, while non-breeding plumage is lighter. The species uses wetlands across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is noted for its seasonal migrations.

The black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is a large wading bird whose neck appears black in breeding plumage. It inhabits wetlands and floodplains in parts of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with some populations or vagrant records extending to nearby regions. It tends to favor freshwater habitats with extensive open water and cover.

Another prominent example is the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), a species of the Central Asian and Himalayan region. It frequents wetlands, lakes, and high-altitude marshes. The black neck is a striking feature during the breeding season, and the species is of conservation concern in several parts of its range due to habitat loss and disturbance.

The term blacknecked therefore refers to a morphological trait rather than a shared lineage, appearing in diverse groups where the neck coloration is a notable characteristic. See also lists of species named for coloration.