Bird Quizzes - Ducks 01

Nature Quiz - British Birds - Ducks 01 (Questions)

Ducks are full of clues, from bills to feet to feeding styles. Learn how pond ducks differ from diving ducks, then test your bird knowledge below.

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Fascinating Fact:

Dabbling ducks often eat seeds, water plants and small water creatures in shallow areas, sometimes “upending” with their tails in the air.

In Specialist Nature, ducks are often grouped by how they feed and where they spend most of their time. Some ducks tip forward in shallow water to reach food, while others dive beneath the surface to chase prey. You can also look at body shape, how they sit on the water, and details like bill shape and leg position to help with identification.

Key Terms

Waterfowl: Birds that live on or near water, such as ducks, geese, and swans.
Dabbling duck: A duck that feeds mainly in shallow water, often by tipping forward to reach plants and small animals.
Diving duck: A duck that finds food by swimming underwater, usually in deeper water.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between dabbling ducks and diving ducks?

Dabbling ducks feed in shallow water and often tip forward with their tails up. Diving ducks swim underwater for food and are usually found on deeper lakes and reservoirs.

How can you tell a duck from a goose or a swan?

Ducks are usually smaller with shorter necks than geese and swans. Swans are the largest with very long necks, and geese are bigger than most ducks and often graze on grass.

Why do some ducks have different coloured feathers?

Colour can help ducks attract a mate or blend into their habitat. In many species, males are brighter in the breeding season, while females are more camouflaged for nesting.