The most familiar type of duck is called a Mallard. Almost all domestic ducks are descended from the mallard, and they are the most abundant duck in the world..

Male ducks are called a 'drake' and female ducks are called a 'hen'.
Mallard ducks make a very familiar 'quack' noise. The call of the drake is louder and higher pitched than the female's.

Mallards feed by leaning forward into the water so that their tails stick upwards and their necks stretch down into the water. This is called 'dabbling'. Mallards feed both day and night.

Mallards are able to take off from water quite steeply using their wings to push against the surface to help launch them. They are also able to land at quite a steep angle and this allows them to land in relatively small bodies of water.

Some Mallards who live in cold countries migrate in the winter.

Where do ducks live?
Ducks very common over most of Europe. They are also found in parts of Asia, Africa and North America. They live in parks, canals, rivers, ponds, lakes, woodland and gardens.

What do ducks eat?
Ducks feed on small plants and animals.

Average lifespan
Up to 20 years in captivity.