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Waterproof feathers
Ducks spread oil from a special gland through their feathers, helping water roll off while they swim.
ðŋ Welcome to the pond
Everything is better with ducks.
Meet the charming water birds that waddle, dabble, dive, migrate, quack, and somehow make every park pond feel like a tiny nature reserve.
Duck facts that make a splash
Ducks are more than cute pond residents. They are smart, adaptable birds with fascinating bodies and social behavior.
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Built-in strainers
Many ducks have comb-like edges inside their bills that help filter tiny plants and insects from water.
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Great travelers
Some species migrate long distances each year, following food, daylight, and seasonal weather.
Where ducks thrive
From city parks to wild wetlands, ducks need clean water, safe nesting places, and plenty of natural food.
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Healthy ponds and wetlands
Ducks rely on shallow water for feeding, resting, and raising ducklings.
Ducks rely on shallow water for feeding, resting, and raising ducklings.
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Natural food sources
A balanced duck diet includes aquatic plants, seeds, insects, snails, and small fish.
A balanced duck diet includes aquatic plants, seeds, insects, snails, and small fish.
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Quiet nesting zones
Reeds, grasses, and sheltered banks help protect nests from disturbance.
Reeds, grasses, and sheltered banks help protect nests from disturbance.
A few famous ducks
Ducks come in many shapes, colors, and lifestyles. Here are four pond-worthy favorites.
Mallard
The classic park duck, famous for the green-headed male.
Mandarin duck
A spectacularly colorful species with dramatic plumage.
Eider
A sea duck known for soft insulating down.
Runner duck
An upright, energetic domestic duck that loves to forage.
Be kind at the pond.
Watch ducks from a respectful distance, keep dogs controlled, and skip bread. Oats, peas, corn, lettuce, or proper waterfowl pellets are better occasional treats.
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