duckling

A duckling is a young duck, usually the offspring of a wild duck or a domestic breed. Ducklings hatch from eggs after about 28 days of incubation. They are precocial, meaning they hatch with eyes open and covered in down, and can swim, walk, and feed within hours of emerging from the shell. In the wild, they often stay with their mother for protection as they grow.

Physical characteristics and growth: Ducklings are covered in soft down, which is frequently yellow in many domestic breeds, though wild species display a range of colors and patterns. As they mature, they molt into juvenile plumage and later into adult feathers. Most ducklings become capable of sustained flight within several weeks to a few months, depending on the species.

Behavior and diet: Ducklings form broods led by a female, and occasionally by both parents. They feed on a mix of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates, typically foraging by dabbling in shallow water or grazing on land. They rely on parental care for protection from predators and learn essential foraging and social behaviors through imitation.

Habitat and lifespan: In the wild, ducklings inhabit ponds, wetlands, rivers, and marshes. Domestic ducklings kept by humans usually remain near ponds or farmyards. Predators such as foxes, raccoons, snakes, and birds of prey pose risks. If conditions are favorable, ducklings reach adulthood within a few months and may live several years as adults.