What kind of bird is a duck? We will explain the characteristics, ecology, and habitat of animals. Ducks are very famous birds that are bred all over the world. Biologically, they are considered the same species as mallards. So what are the characteristics of this very famous duck? I will summarize.
What is a duck? About basic status
Ducks are also called cold ducks. It is a poultry breed derived from the mallard duck, a member of the Anatidae family, and is very famous because it is widely bred all over the world. The body length is 60cm and the weight is 3kg. It is written in kanji as crane, house duck, and duck. The scientific name is Anas platyrhynchos. The list of information and details are as follows. Ducks are also very famous as they are made into stuffed animals and other products.
| Japanese（和名） | アヒル |
| English（英名） | Duck |
| scientific name(学名) | Anas platyrhynchos |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Anseriformes、Anatidae、Anas 鳥綱、カモ目、カモ科、マガモ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | Least Concern |
| Length（全長） | 60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3kg |
About classification
Biologically, ducks are considered the same species as mallards.
Duck Taxonomy
- 界（Kingdom）: 動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）: 脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）: 鳥綱 (Aves)
- 目（Order）: カモ目 (Anseriformes)
- 科（Family）: カモ科 (Anatidae)
- 属（Genus）: 種類によって異なる
- マガモ属 (Anas)：家禽化されたアヒル（バリケン、マガモ由来の家アヒルなど）
- その他の野生種は、アイガモ属、ハシビロガモ属などに分類されることもある
- 種（Species）:
- 家庭でよく飼育されるアヒル：家アヒル (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
- 野生由来：マガモ (Anas platyrhynchos)
About habitat
Ducks are bred all over the world, so they are distributed all over the world. The country of origin is Europe and China.
- Habitat of Wild Ducks (Mallards, etc.)
Geographic Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the temperate and boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere
North America, Europe, and Asia (including Japan)
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, and rice fields
Rests and feeds in grasslands and wetlands near water
- Habitat of Domesticated Ducks
Distribution
Raised worldwide
Farms, homes, urban parks, etc.
Environment
Live in ponds and water bodies managed by humans
Can survive in artificial environments as long as food and water are available
- Habitat Conditions
Water is essential
Requires an environment for swimming and bathing
Food Availability
Wild species eat aquatic plants, seeds, small fish, and insects
Domesticated species can use grains, pellets, and vegetables as substitutes
Safe Resting Places
Grasslands, wetlands, artificial nest boxes, and waterside areas
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Ducks originate from mallards. It was domesticated in the northern hemisphere and grew larger as a species for meat. Because they are domesticated, they are very well protected by humans. Perhaps because of this, its wings deteriorated and it lost its ability to fly. It depends on the individual and the breed, but they are now only able to fly a few meters at most.
- Physical Characteristics
Physique
A medium-sized waterfowl, approximately 50-70 cm in length (varies depending on species and whether it is domestic or wild)
Weight: Approximately 1-3 kg
A stocky body with backward-set webbed feet
Feathers
Males derived from wild mallards display vibrant plumage during the breeding season.
Males: Green head, brown chest, white and blue markings on the back and wings
Females: A dull brown camouflage
Domestic ducks vary in color from white to black, brown, or spotted, depending on the breed.
Beak and Feet
Beak: Flat and broad, easily scraped off aquatic plants and small creatures.
Feet: Webbed feet set backward, adapted for swimming.
- Behavior and Personality
Excellent swimmers and primarily live on the water
Flight ability varies by species
Wild species: Capable of short- to long-distance flight
Domestic species: Some breeds are unable to fly
Personality
Gentle and gentle
Timid and cautious, but easily tamed by humans
Likely to live in groups
- Ecological Characteristics
Diet: Omnivorous
Aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small fish, mollusks, etc.
Reproduction
Nests are built on land or in grassy areas near water
Eggs are laid (approximately 10-12 eggs), with the female incubating and raising them
Sociality
Live in small groups
Forage, rest, and breed near water
What is your personality like?
Ducks are very friendly animals and are very easy to handle. They also love physical contact, so if you talk to them, they will imitate the conversation with you. They also love bathing, so they will need a pool.
Duck Personality Traits
Gentle and gentle
Generally low in aggression
Coexist peacefully with their own species and other waterfowl
Timid and cautious
Sensitive to predators and humans
When threatened, they will flee into the water or raise their wings to intimidate others
Highly sociable
They live in groups, feeding and resting together
Domestic ducks also feel safe in the company of other ducks
Learning ability
In captivity, they can become accustomed to humans and other animals
They learn feeding times and tend to congregate in specific areas
Curious
Enjoys exploring the water and their surroundings
Swimming to find new food and safe places
What does the ecology look like?
Ducks love and eat nuts, bulbs, leaves, and grass. Now they are protected by humans, have been domesticated, and food has become very plentiful. Ducks produce 150 – 200 eggs per year, especially in the spring. Hatching occurs 30 days after spawning. Sexual maturity is about half a year. The lifespan is said to be 5 to 10 years.
- Lifestyle
Aquatic Lifestyle
Feeds while swimming in rivers, ponds, lakes, wetlands, and rice fields.
Rests on the surface, feeds underwater, and preens near water.
Activity Period
Mainly diurnal, active during the day.
Feeds, rests, and breeds during the day.
- Diet
Omnivorous
Vegetation: aquatic plants, seeds, grains, and fruit.
Animal Food: insects, small fish, mollusks, and aquatic invertebrates.
Feeding Method
Scoops food from the surface or underwater with its beak.
May also stir up mud from the bottom of the water to find food.
- Breeding and Rearing
Nest Building
Ground or waterside grass, sometimes at the base of a tree or in a nest box
Egg Laying
Usually 10-12 eggs
Incubation and Rearing
The female incubates and hatches the eggs, then guides them
Chicks begin swimming immediately after hatching
Development
Learns foraging and swimming within a few weeks of birth
Becomes largely independent within a few months
- Migration
Most wild species are migratory birds
Migrate to unfrozen waters in winter
Domestic ducks do not migrate and live in controlled environments
Do ducks have natural enemies?
Natural enemies of ducks include weasels, foxes, and owls. They have lost their ability to fly and are being raised by humans, so it cannot be said that they have a strong sense of danger.
About Ducklings
This section provides detailed information about ducklings (young birds).
- Birth
Hatching Period: Spring to early summer (depending on region and breed)
Egg Laying: Usually 10-12 eggs
Hatching Period: Approximately 26-28 days (depending on breed and environment)
Characteristics at Hatching:
Feathers are soft and mottled with yellow or brown.
Eyes are open, allowing them to quickly recognize their surroundings.
Beaks and feet are well developed, allowing them to swim.
- Fleeting and Aquatic Life
Fleeting:
Immediately after hatching, they move from the nest to the water, guided by their mother.
Able to swim immediately after birth.
Aquatic Behavior:
Learns foraging by swimming behind their mother.
Practices pecking at aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
- Growth and Development
First few weeks:
Learn basic behaviors such as foraging, swimming, and preening.
Follow their mother and learn safe areas.
First few months:
Adult plumage approaches that of an adult, allowing them to forage independently.
Wild species also learn to migrate and live in groups.
- Characteristics
Personality:
Curious and obedient to their mother and peers.
When sensing danger, they will hide behind their mother or in the water.
Sociality:
Form groups with their mother and chicks and cooperate with each other.
Are ducks an endangered species?
Ducks are not an endangered species. They are bred all over the world and their population is very stable.
- Domestic Ducks
Domestic Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
Domesticated worldwide, with very large populations.
Due to domestication, there is little risk of extinction.
- Conservation Status of Wild Ducks (e.g., Mallard)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
Distributed widely throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with stable populations.
While there have been local population declines in some areas due to wetland loss and hunting, the species as a whole is at low risk of extinction.
Many other wild species are also classified as Near Threatened or Near Threatened, but are less threatened than domesticated ducks.
- Local Threats
Development of wetland and river habitats
Excessive hunting and capture
Impact of invasive species and environmental pollution
However, global populations are stable, and the species is not endangered.
Can ducks be kept as pets?
Ducks can be kept as pets. However, the problem is where to get it. If purchased at a pet shop, the price ranges from 500 yen to 4,000 yen. However, there are not many of them.
How to keep
Ducks are waterfowl, so they need an environment where they can bathe. This can be done indoors or outdoors. They are waterfowl that rest their feet by floating on the water, so standing for long periods of time can hurt their feet.
What does the bait eat?
Basically, waterfowl food and waterfowl pellets are OK. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Feed twice in the morning and in the evening. Chocolate, onions, cabbage, burdock, avocado, green onions, chives, and garlic are highly toxic and dangerous.
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