We all love ducks, but did you know that there are six different species of ducks?
There's more to ducks than just the mallard. In fact, there are six different types of ducks that can be found around the world.
This article profiles the top six duck species in stunning detail, from their physical characteristics and behavior to where they live and what they eat.
This guide is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about these fantastic creatures.
The Top Six Species of Ducks
- Call Duck
- Mallard Duck
- Domestic Duck
- Canvasback Duck
- Marbled Duck
- Alabio Duck
Call Duck
Photo: vxlomegav6 via Getty Images
Call ducks are a domesticated duck breed. They are so named for their ability to "call" to their flockmates, and some people keep them as pets because of their charming vocalizations.
Call ducks come in various colors, including white, black, blue, brown, and grey. They have a crest on their head that stands up when they're excited or alarmed, and they typically weigh between two and four pounds.
These ducks are monogamous birds, meaning they mate for life and can live up to fifteen years if well cared for. They are omnivorous creatures who eat anything from grains and fruits to insects and small amphibians.
Call Duck Bird Soft Plush Toy
Gage Beasley’s Call Duck Bird Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Gage Beasley’s Call Duck Bird Soft Stuffed Plush Toy is an excellent toy for children and adults alike. At 10.2 inches tall, this soft plush toy is perfect for small hands to grasp and carry around. Made with 100% cotton fabric, this duck is soft to the touch and easy to clean. Perfect for story time or as a decorative piece, this white call duck makes an excellent gift for any occasion.
Mallard Duck
Photo: Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash
Mallard ducks are one of the most common ducks in North America. They're easily recognizable by their green head and chest, and they can be found in many different habitats, including marshes, ponds, and rivers.
Mallards are omnivorous birds and typically eat a variety of items from the water surface and the ground. They feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, algae, berries, and grain. Mallards will even eat other dead ducks!
Mallard Duck Bird Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Gage Beasley’s Mallard Duck Bird Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Gage Beasley’s Mallard Duck Bird Soft Stuffed Plush Toy is an excellent addition to your child's collection of stuffed animals. It is made of soft plush material and is anatomically correct, with a detailed design that will make it look like the real thing. The toy is also very huggable and measures 31cm(12.2") from mouth to tail and 26cm(10.3") from head to toe.
Domestic Duck
Photo: Nikla Hamann via Unsplash
Domestic ducks are kept as domestic animals in many parts of the world. They are kept for their eggs, meat, or feathers.
Ducks are omnivores and eat various things, including insects, plants, and small animals. They can also be trained to eat from a person's hand. This is sometimes done to help them find food in difficult environments.
Humans often eat duck eggs, and the birds are sometimes hunted for their meat. Ducks also have many feathers which can be used for bedding, insulation, or clothing.
Canvasback Duck
Photo: Abel Mathew via Unsplash
The canvasback is a large diving duck with a long neck and slim body. They are mottled dark brown on the top, with white sides and a pale chest. The males have a green head and black breast, while the females have a duller brown head and neck. Juveniles are similar to females but have lighter underparts.
Canvasbacks are migratory birds, breeding in northern Canada and Alaska, and wintering in the US, Mexico, and Central America. They feed mainly on aquatic plants and eat insects and small fish. These ducks are popular with hunters because of their tasty meat - they can fetch high prices at restaurants or specialty stores.
Marbled Duck
Photo: Jeff Kingma via Getty Images
Marbled duck is a domesticated duck breed with a white and black or brown and black pattern on its plumage.
The marbling pattern is caused by the distributions of pigment cells in the feathers. The marbling pattern is controlled by a single gene and is passed from parent to offspring.
Marbled ducks are raised for their meat, eggs, and down. The meat is said to be succulent and flavorful, with low-fat content. Eggs from marbled ducks are also considered to be of high quality, and the down feathers are prized for their insulation properties.
Alabio Duck
Photo: Aulia Rahman via Getty Images
Alabio Duck is a crossbreed of Pekin and Muscovy Ducks. They are bred for their white plumage and are popular as pets and exhibition animals.
The company was founded in 2004 by duck enthusiasts who were looking to create a new breed of duck that was exceptionally tame and docile. The aim was to provide an animal that could be kept as a pet without special housing or fencing.
Alabio Ducks are now available in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australasia.
Final Thoughts
Ducks are some of the fascinating creatures on the planet. With their unique abilities and adorable appearances, it's no wonder they have become such popular pets.
Which one is your favorite from the six species profiled in this article? Let us know in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!
~GB
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