Class: | Bird |
Origin: | all contonetns except Antarticas |
Size: | 20 to 26 in (50 to 65 cm) |
Weight: | 7-8 lbs |
Diet: | grass, aquatic plants, insects, seeds, fruit, fish, crustaceans and other types of food. |
Lifespan: | 5-10 years |
Series: | ![]() |
A duck's feathers are so waterproof that even when the duck dives underwater, its downy underlayer of feathers will stay completely dry.
Ducklings are covered with down and able to walk and leave the nest just a few hours after hatching.
When constructing her nest, a hen will line it with soft down feathers she plucks from her own breast. This gives the eggs the best possible cushioning and insulation.
A hen will lead her ducklings up to a half mile or more over land after hatching in order to find a suitable water source for swimming and feeding.