Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Duck
A filter-feeding, webbed-feet duck that feeds and maintains invertebrate populations.
Common name- Duck.
Scientific name- Anatidae
Size- 26 cm- 183cm
There are 174 species of Ducks in the world.
Type- Aves
Distribution and Appearance of Birds.
Ducks are the aquatic (water-based) birds that are widespread in the world, aside from Antarctica.
Ducks have long necks, and short but strong wings that consist of the Preen gland, which is an Oil gland that is produced, hence the wing feathers of ducks do not get submerged in Water.
The Ducks ‘preen’, in which they used their Beak and head to spread the oil gland all over the body.
Some species have a difference in Male and Female morphs. The call of Ducks sounds like a ‘Honk’, ‘Squeak’, or ‘Trumpet-like’.
The beak is Flat in appearance, the beak has ‘Lamellae’ lining at the inner side. These are the pointed projections which help to grab a Fish or any Prey. They also help in filtering the unnecessary debris that enters the beak while Feeding.
Some species of Ducks are Herbivores, that feed on Aquatic plants.
Some Ducks are ‘Piscivores’, which depend upon Fish.
Ducks can also prey upon Aquatic fauna like molluscs, Arthropods, etc.
Breeding
Winter season is the Breed season of Ducks in India.
The species are Monogamous for one breeding season, which change partners every season.
Some species are monogamous and maintain their Territory, which bonds for years.
Nesting
The Nest of Duck is situated mostly on the Banks of Water bodies. The nest is made up of Twigs, aquatic vegetation and the down feathers from the female’s breast. (Down Feather is the First layer of feathers on the body. )
Female Incubate the Eggs in Ducks.
‘Brood Parasitism’ is also seen in some species of Ducks, where the female put her egg in different bird nests.
Young Birds are ‘Precocial’ birds. It means they can ‘Walk’, ‘Swim’ or perform small activities as they hatch.
Also See ⇒ Cuckoo Facts