Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks are aquatic birds known for their dabbling or diving feeding behavior. They have webbed feet for efficient swimming and often inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Ducks communicate through quacking sounds and various body gestures.

Ducks typically form pair bonds during the breeding season, with males displaying elaborate courtship behaviors. They build nests in concealed areas near water bodies and lay a clutch of eggs. Incubation lasts around a month, and both parents participate in caring for the hatchlings.

Ducks vary widely in size, coloration, and plumage patterns. They have waterproof feathers, specialized bills for filter-feeding or straining food from water, and a buoyant body structure. Ducks are omnivores, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Ducks have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for their meat, eggs, and feathers. They played essential roles in ancient civilizations, providing sustenance and serving as symbols of fertility and prosperity. Domesticated duck breeds have been selectively bred for various traits, including egg production, meat yield, and ornamental features.

Domesticated ducks are globally kept for agriculture, hunting, and ornamental purposes. Conservation efforts target rare breeds and wetland habitats essential for duck populations. Efforts are ongoing to preserve genetic diversity and ensure sustainable farming practices.