kachna

Kachna is the Czech and Slovak term for duck, referring to both wild ducks and domestic ducks kept for meat and eggs. Domesticated varieties are descended mainly from the wild mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), though other duck species have been bred in some regions.

Ducks are waterfowl in the family Anatidae and are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates; many species dabble at the surface or forage on land. They have webbed feet and bills adapted to aquatic foraging, with plumage that varies widely across wild species and domestic breeds.

In cuisine, roasted duck is a traditional dish in Czech and Slovak cooking, often served with sauerkraut and dumplings or potatoes, and featuring crispy skin in some preparations.

Duck meat and fat are valued for flavor and texture, and many regional recipes emphasize roasting, braising, or confit.

The term kachna is primarily a common noun in Czech and Slovak, but it also appears in place names and as a surname in some Slavic-speaking areas.