Ducks

Ducks are waterfowl in the family Anatidae, part of the order Anseriformes. They encompass a diverse group commonly referred to as true ducks, including genera such as Anas and Cairina. Adapted to aquatic life, ducks have webbed feet, flattened bills, and waterproof plumage. They inhabit freshwater and coastal environments worldwide, from wetlands and ponds to rivers and marshes.

Most ducks feed by dabbling or diving, consuming a mix of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Dabbling ducks feed at or near the water surface, while diving ducks plunge underwater to forage. Breeding typically occurs in spring; females build nests near water and lay clutches that hatch after a period varying by species. Incubation is usually by the female, with males performing courtship displays during the breeding season. Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

Ducks display a range of plumages. Males (drakes) often have bright breeding plumage, while females are usually more cryptically colored, though some species show little sexual dimorphism. Many species are migratory, traveling between breeding and wintering grounds. Socially, ducks form flocks that may mix species, especially outside the breeding season, and can exhibit complex courtship behaviors during courtship displays.

Domestication of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) led to a wide array of domestic duck breeds raised for meat, eggs, and feathers. In the wild, ducks contribute to wetland ecosystems as herbivores and seed dispersers, and they serve as prey for various predators. Conservation status varies by species; while many populations are stable, habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and climate change threaten several duck species.