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What is a Duck?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A duck is a waterbird in the family Anatidae. Numerous species are encompassed within this family, including the domesticated ducks, which are descended from wild mallard ducks. Ducks can be found in many regions of the world, in both salt and freshwater environments, and they are a common feature of the barnyard, as well, thanks to their gentle dispositions, tasty eggs, and flavorful flesh.

Several features can be used to distinguish ducks from other waterbirds. Ducks have muscular bodies built for diving and dredging, with short legs and webbed feet which allow them to navigate a watery environment. Ducks also have distinctive broad, flat bills, which they use to root through aquatic grasses and mud to snap up various prey along with plant materials.

Roasted duck legs.
Roasted duck legs.

On the water, ducks often look quite graceful, as their bodies are well-adapted to swimming and diving. On land, however, ducks look rather ungainly, thanks to the fact that their legs are set far back on their bodies, causing them to have a waddling gait. Ducks are also capable of flight, except when they are molting, and some duck species make long annual migrations to mate and raise young.

A duckling.
A duckling.

The word “duck” comes from the Anglo-Saxon ducan, which means “to dive.” Male ducks are known as drakes, while baby ducks are known as ducklings. Generally it takes around a year for a duck to fully mature, with most ducks pairing off only briefly during mating season to breed and raise their ducklings. Most duck species are also sexually dimorphic, with brightly colored males and more drab females.

Numerous duck species are descended from wild mallard ducks.
Numerous duck species are descended from wild mallard ducks.

Ducks come in a wide range of colors and sizes, with some ducks having decorative crests and other interesting physical features which make them stand out from a crowd. Among domesticated ducks, in addition to the run of the mill white Pekin duck, one can also find Blue Cayuga, Crested Swedish, Khaki Campbell, Mallard, Call, Indian Runner, and Aylesbury ducks, along with the charmingly ugly Muscovy Duck, which has a bald neck and head. Wild ducks are divided into a number of groups, including perching, diving, and dabbling ducks.

A flat bill is one feature used to distinguish ducks from other waterbirds.
A flat bill is one feature used to distinguish ducks from other waterbirds.

Although most people associate quacking with ducks, not that many duck species actually quack. Instead, ducks make a range of other calls which are used to signal information to others in the flock. Incidentally, contrary to folklore, a duck's quack will in fact echo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a duck?

A duck is a waterfowl species that belongs to the family Anatidae. Ducks are smaller than their relatives, swans and geese, and are distinguished by their broad, flat bills, webbed feet, and often colorful plumage. They are found in both fresh and saltwater environments and are known for their distinctive quacking sound.

How many species of ducks are there?

Ducks can often be turned into a meal.
Ducks can often be turned into a meal.

There are over 120 species of ducks worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These species vary widely in size, color, and habitat preferences, with some adapted to specific environmental niches, while others like the mallard are widespread and adaptable.

What do ducks typically eat?

Ducks are omnivorous and have a varied diet that can include aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and grains. Dabbling ducks feed on the water's surface or tip up to reach underwater plants, while diving ducks plunge below the surface to find food. Their diet changes with availability and season.

How do ducks reproduce?

Ducks typically breed once a year, building nests in sheltered areas near water. The female lays a clutch of eggs and incubates them until they hatch. Ducklings are precocial, meaning they are born with their eyes open and a warm coat of down, ready to leave the nest within hours to follow their mother.

Are ducks migratory?

Many duck species are migratory, traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. For example, the Northern Pintail migrates from North America to Central and South America, covering thousands of miles. Migration patterns depend on species and environmental conditions, with some ducks remaining year-round residents if the habitat is suitable.

What are the main threats to duck populations?

Duck populations face several threats, including habitat loss due to wetland drainage and development, pollution, overhunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts, such as protected areas and regulated hunting, aim to mitigate these threats. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited work to preserve wetlands, crucial for duck survival and overall biodiversity.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Roasted duck legs.
      By: Glen MacLarty
      Roasted duck legs.
    • A duckling.
      By: Anyka
      A duckling.
    • Numerous duck species are descended from wild mallard ducks.
      By: Hassan Akkas
      Numerous duck species are descended from wild mallard ducks.
    • A flat bill is one feature used to distinguish ducks from other waterbirds.
      By: nastia1983
      A flat bill is one feature used to distinguish ducks from other waterbirds.
    • Ducks can often be turned into a meal.
      By: chamillew
      Ducks can often be turned into a meal.