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Ducks
Introduction:
Ducks are the largest group of waterfowl and the most
diverse. They are related to swans and geese, however
the duck is the smallest among them. Ducks can be found
in both fresh water and seawater. They have wide flat
beaks adapted for dredging, and webbed
feet designed for swimming.
Location:
A variety of duck species are found everywhere in the
world except the Antarctica, where it is too cold.
Normally, they are found in wetlands, marshes, ponds,
streams, lakes, rivers and oceans.
Food:
A duck's diet largely consists of grasses, aquatic plants,
fish, insects, small amphibians, worms, and small snails
and shellfish.
Life Cycle:
Some species of ducks fly thousands of miles away every
year to rest, breed, and raise their young in a warmer
climate. Usually in winter, the males, with their colourful
feathers, will attract a female mate, who will then lead
them to a breeding ground in spring. The chosen breeding
ground will usually be the place where the female was
hatched. The female will build her nest with grass or
reeds, and the male will guard the territory by chasing
away other couples. Once the female lays 5 - 12 eggs,
she will sit on her eggs to keep them warm so that they
can hatch, while the males will gather with other males.
Normally within 28 - 35 days, the eggs will hatch. Until
the ducklings are able to fly, which is within 5 - 8 weeks,
the mother will try to keep her ducklings together to
protect them from predators. In the autumn, the ducks
will gather in flocks on large lakes, marshes or the ocean
and begin their migration to their winter home. Ducks
can live from 2 - 12 years, depending on the species.
Predators
Ducks have many predators. Ducklings are particularly
vulnerable, since their inability to fly makes them easy
prey for raccoons, turtles, hawks, large fish and snakes,
crocodilians, and other aquatic hunters, including fish-eating
birds such as herons. Land-based predators may also raid
nests, and brooding females may sometimes be caught unaware
on the nest by mammals (ie. foxes) and large birds, including
hawks and eagles.
Interesting Facts:
· Most ducks, other than female Mallards and
domestic ducks, do not "quack".
· Migration patterns have changed such that
many species remain in an area during the winter months.
· Male and female ducks of the same species, have
different voices.
· Ducks feet do not feel cold even if swimming
in icy cold water, because their feet have no nerves or
blood vessels.
· The production of eggs is affected by daylight.
When there is more daylight, ducks lay more eggs.
Help Protect Their Environment:
· Do not feed ducks. It increases the chances of
negative human/wildlife encounters, and reduces the ducks’
foraging instincts and can make them dependent on people
for food.
· Help preserve and encourage the protection
of Wetlands.
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