1.
All types of ducks are part of
the bird family Anatidae, and there are a species of ducks found worldwide on
every content except Antarctica
2.
A baby duck is called a
duckling; an adult male is a drake. An adult female duck is called a hen or a
duck, and a group of ducks can be called s raft, team or paddling.
3.
All ducks have highly
waterproof feathers as a result of intricate feather structure and a waxy
coating that is spread on each feather while preening. A duck’s feathers are so
waterproof that even when the duck dives underwater, its downy under layer of
feathers will stay completely dry.
4.
Ducks are precocial which means
that ducklings are covered with down and able to walk and leave the nest just a
few hours after hatching.
5.
A hen will lead her ducklings up
to half a mile or more over land after hatching in order to find a suitable
water source for swimming and feeding.
6.
Male ducks have an eclipse
plumage similar to females that they wear after the breeding season for about a
month as their new feathers grow. During that month, they are completely
flightless and more vulnerable to predators.
7.
Most duck species are
monogamous for a breeding season but they do not mate for life.
8.
When constructing her nest, a
hen will line it with soft down feathers she plucks from her own breast. This
gives the eggs the best possible cushioning and insulation.
9.
Ducks are omnivorous,
opportunistic eaters will eat grass, aquatic plants, insects, seeds, fruit,
fish, crustaceans and other types of food.
10. A ducks bill is specialised to help it forage in mud and to strain
food from the water. A hard nail at the tip of the bill helps with foraging,
and a comb-like structure on the sides of the bill strains small insects and
crustaceans from water.
11. Most male ducks are silent and very few ducks actually “quack.”
Instead, their calls may include squeaks, grunts, groans, chirps, whistles,
brays and growls.
12. It is a myth that a ducks quack won’t echo. This has been
conclusively disproved through different scientific acoustic tests.
13. Ducks have been domesticated as pets and farm animals for more than
500 years, and all domestic ducks are descended from either the mallard or the
Muscovy duck.
14. There are more than 40 breeds of domestic ducks. The white Pekin
duck (also called the Long Island Duck) is the most common variety raised for
eggs and meat.
15. Because of their familiarity and comic nature, ducks are often
featured as fictional characters. Two most famous fictional ducks are Disney’s
Donald Duck, who premiered in 1934, and Warner Bros.’ Daffy Duck, who premiered
in 1937.
