THE DUCK
«Life on Lake Zurich is totally exciting and varied. However, I’m having my babies soon, so we moved. With all the people on the lakeshore, it’s too hectic for me. We retreated to a nearby garden. After the babies hatch, we want to go back to the water. However, I’m afraid they won’t survive this trip…»
PROFILE
HABITAT
Ducks can be found all over the world. They live by the water. Sometimes a small pond in a city park is enough for them, or they colonize large lakes or even seashores.
Ducks can be found all over the world. They live by the water. Sometimes a small pond in a city park is enough for them, or they colonize large lakes or even seashores.
AGE
Ducks live only about three years. Many die very young, falling prey to predators.
Ducks live only about three years. Many die very young, falling prey to predators.
FOOD
Ducks are omnivores. They are often fed stale bread by us humans. Otherwise they eat snails, water insects and plants.
Ducks are omnivores. They are often fed stale bread by us humans. Otherwise they eat snails, water insects and plants.
BEHAVIOR
Ducks are diurnal and nocturnal. They sleep on the water. But how can ducks swim on water at all? Their plumage is waterproof. They have a gland on their butt that produces an oily fluid. When they preen, they pick up this fluid with their beaks and spread it on their feathers.
Ducks are diurnal and nocturnal. They sleep on the water. But how can ducks swim on water at all? Their plumage is waterproof. They have a gland on their butt that produces an oily fluid. When they preen, they pick up this fluid with their beaks and spread it on their feathers.
ENEMIES
Duck is on many menus of predators. The young animals especially fall prey to them. For example, foxes like Fred love duck eggs.
Duck is on many menus of predators. The young animals especially fall prey to them. For example, foxes like Fred love duck eggs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
There are about 150 different species of ducks. Mostly the males are recognized by a splendid colored plumage, while the females wear a brown dress for camouflage.
There are about 150 different species of ducks. Mostly the males are recognized by a splendid colored plumage, while the females wear a brown dress for camouflage.
HOW SHOULD YOU BEHAVE?
«The lake is my home. Even if you like to spend your free time there, treat me with respect and let me have my space and retreat. Also, don’t feed me all the time. Even though many ducks think it’s great, it’s not very healthy for us.»