Fun Facts About Ducks (+23 Cute And Interesting Facts)
Ducks, the fluffy little creatures, just wander here and there near us. Surprisingly, such feathered friends have some amazing fun facts you may love! From softly quacking to doing awkward, fun things, I’ll cover all things up!
This article was written to share all the common fun facts about ducks. If you’re new here, you’ll find something interesting for sure. If you do not know, you’ll know your ducks may do the same things!
Table of Contents
Let’s Explore 23 Fun Facts About Ducks!
There are more than 100 types of ducks available. Different breeds and species have distinctive activities. So, I researched 23 common fun facts about them.
1. The Distinctive Quacking Behavior
Ducks’ quacking is one of their most distinguishing characteristics as they use different accents, interestingly. But did you know that not all ducks do quack?
While mallards are recognized for their characteristic quack, other species communicate with quiet coos, grunts, or whistles. Each duck has its own distinct vocalization.
The interesting thing about them is that they have distinct accents. City ducks, for example, have harsher, louder voices than softly murmured country ducks.
Also, an interesting, fun fact is that ducks, especially baby ducks, chirp as well!
Recommended Reading: Do Ducks Quack At Night
2. Ducks Can See Better Than Us!
Ducks with acute tiny eyes can notice details 2.5 to 3 times farther away than we can! That’s like witnessing a bird soaring high above while we can barely make out a hazy dot.
While we perceive the world through the colors red, green, and blue, ducks have a fourth secret weapon: UV vision!
Ducks’ eyes, unlike ours, are located on the sides of their head. This provides them with a virtually 360-degree perspective, something we did not provide!
3. Feathered Finery
Ducks are the fashionistas of nature. Their feathers are not only warm in the winter but also come in colorful patterns that make them fashionable.
For example, the male mallard’s iridescent feathers are not only attractive but also help him attract mates.
4. The Duck Waddle
Have you ever noticed how ducks walk? Their peculiar waddle has a different purpose.
Ducks walk differently because of their webbed feet. This adaptability allows them to navigate both land and water efficiently. The waddle isn’t simply cute; it’s also an evolutionary miracle.
5. Ducks Are Intelligent!
Ducks are highly intelligent and smart. According to the research I found, ducks have problem-solving abilities and may even understand cause and effect.
6. Ducks And Their Migratory Behavior
Many ducks enjoy traveling during what we call migration time. Ducks, like us, like traveling throughout the winter. Migration is a sight to behold, involving thousands of kilometers of flight.
For example, the Northern Pintail is known to travel great distances during its migration.
7. The Power of Ducks Webbed Feet
Duck feet aren’t only for show; they’re also functional. The webbing between their toes is ideal for effective swimming. The fun fact here is they can be more swifter than humans! Ducks can glide effortlessly through the water because of this adaptation.
Recommended Reading: All About Ducks Webbed Feet
8. Ducks Dabbling vs. Diving For Feeding
Ducks feed in a variety of ways. Dabbling ducks like Mallards, Gadwall, Teal, Shovelers, and Pintails feed near the water’s surface. They tilt forward to graze on aquatic plants and insects.
Diving ducks like Tufted, Scaup, or Redhead ducks, on the other hand, dive underwater to feed on fish and crustaceans. They can eat on land, but they prefer to capture their food underwater. It appears to be a desperate laborer friend in water simply for the food!
To see how ducks dive underwater, here is a video for you!
9. Ducks Always Prioritize Family
Ducks are dedicated parents and act like the most caring father and mother. Female ducks carefully select nesting places, and once the ducklings hatch, both parents contribute to their care.
Duck families are a heartwarming sight, showing us the value of familial relationships.
10. They Are Voracious Eater!
Ducks are considered omnivores. So you’ll see them madly eating almost anything they find nearby. Even if you give them bread, it is a no for them! The funny thing is the way they eat without any hesitation is like a shameless is there to eat!
11. Ducks Can Change Their Gender!
It’s weird but true! Female ducks can switch sexes by changing their behavior and activities. Their behavior and bodies alter to that of a male duck, giving them a higher chance of passing on their genes if the situation calls for it.
12. Ducks Can Be Old Haggard
Ducks, if you didn’t know, can live for up to 20 years and even longer in extreme cases. However, the aged ducks become ill or face a lot of difficulties.
The world’s oldest ducks were a couple from South Africa who survived for 49 years!
13. Females Pick Their Drakes!
Wait! I am talking about the female ducks who choose their partner for a living. Looks like the way we humans do, right? Yes, female ducks pick the drake or male ducks they find attractive and caring!
14. No Cold In Webbed Feet
Wondering how is it possible in the winter? In cold weather, ducks can block the blood system to their feet and commonly stand one-legged to conserve heat. Every calorie they spend on heating is another calorie they must obtain from food. So it makes sense for them to stay as warm as possible.
15. Social Friend
It’s cute and funny how ducks act as social pals with humans and other animals. I see them migrating with large groups like gangsters coming to rule the area for a while.
16. Duck Sleep With One Eye Open
I see ducks sleep with one eye open! Isn’t this weird and funny? Seems like a blind is staring!
Ducks sleep in this manner to be attentive to predator assaults. Ducks can conserve energy by closing one eye while maintaining awareness. Furthermore, it is a symptom of group sleep cooperation.
17. Ducks Bob Head or Wag Tails
It’s cute and funny when I see my ducks doing such kinds of things. Ducks bob their head for greeting, flirting, and excitement. Ducks also do it to warn their ducklings to be attentive to predators.
The tail-wagging is also seen when they are preening or swimming. Baby ducks frequently do it to follow their mother. It could also be something when they get pleased.
18. Ducks Lay Much More Eggs Than Neighboring Chicken!
It’s impossible, right? No! Ducks often lay eggs for a longer period of time than chickens, often from Spring to October. This can result in dozens more eggs over the course of a year.
For example, an egg-laying duck like Khaki Campbell or Indian Runner produces 200 to 400 eggs each year, whereas chickens can lay 250 to 300 eggs.
Surprisingly, duck eggs are larger and more nutritious than chicken eggs, as they contain more protein, fat, and essential vitamins.
19. Ducks Have Longer Penises Among Their Kingdom
The male ducks or drakes have a large corkscrew-shaped penis and true.
On average, your duck penis can be about 8.′′ However, the Argentine Lack Duck has a 17′′ long penis. It’s considered the longest when looking at the animal kingdom.
Watch the video to have a clear understanding.
20. Ducks Are Messy, But They Keep Themselves Clean
I always saw ducks mess up and ruin their areas with poops, urines, and dirt. But also, the truth is they ruin the coop by preening feathers to keep them perfectly clean.
21. Ducklings Walk In Line Like A Parade
Well, we call it a “row of ducks” when ducks and ducking walk in line. They do it either for foraging or to follow the command of their mother duck.
22. Ducks Don’t Have Teeth
We used to know ducks have teeth, but ducks actually have comb-like serrated edges. It is located on the side of duck beaks. Although these things look dangerous, they’re quite sensitive in ducks. So, it’s funny how their serrated edge looks dangerous but actually quite weak.
23. Ducks Are Called Multitaskers
Ducks can fly, swim, and walk together. So, they can be aquatic birds, avians who fly, and ground dwellers.
Final Word
So, you checked all the Fun Facts About Ducks. Ducks are always interesting when you spend a lot of time with them. Whether for poultry purposes or to keep as a pet, they are fit for the yard! I especially loved the way they wag their tails and bob their head in front of me!
This article has covered funny as well as some surprising facts like they have better eyesight than we do. Also, I am pretty sure you see their way of diving and the usage of webbed feet.
