Duck

Ducks are waterfowl characterized by their broad, flat bills, webbed feet, and streamlined bodies, making them well-adapted for aquatic life. They typically display various vibrant plumage colors, including shades of brown, white, black, and green. Ducks are known for their quacking vocalizations and are often observed in groups on water bodies or surrounding grassy areas.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Ducks commonly inhabit various aquatic environments, including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal areas. They require access to both open water for feeding and nesting sites on nearby land, making them versatile inhabitants of wetland ecosystems.

Additional Information

Domestication

The domestication of ducks is a practiced art, with certain breeds specifically bred and raised for various purposes. Some domestic ducks are selectively bred for their meat, eggs, or feathers, while others are kept for ornamental purposes or as pets. These domesticated ducks are typically raised in controlled environments, such as farms or backyard settings, where they are provided with food, water, and shelter. However, not all duck species have been successfully domesticated, and many still exist in the wild, maintaining their natural behaviors and habitats.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Both wild and domestic ducks serve several purposes for the people of Terra. Wild ducks are occasionally hunted for their meat and feathers, providing a source of sustenance and materials for clothing or bedding. On the other hand, domestic ducks are often kept for their eggs, meat, and feathers, with some individuals raising them for ornamental purposes or as pets. They also play a role in farm pest control, consuming insects and other pests that may threaten crops or livestock.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

Aves

Geographic Distribution

Domestic Duck Breeds

Buff Duck Uses: eggs and meat. Eggs: 160 to 200+ Eggs. Raised: Rivershire	Cayuga Duck Uses: meat Eggs: 80 to 160 Eggs Raised: Rivershire	Harlequin Duck Uses: eggs Eggs: 150 to 250 eggs Raised: Rivershire	Orchard Ducks Uses: meat, eggs and pest control Eggs: 100 to 180 large white eggs Raised: Rivershire and The Freehold of the Iron Gate
Runner Duck Uses: Eggs and pest control Eggs/year: 200 Raised: Rivershire and The Freehold of the Iron Gate	Saxony Duck Uses: meat Eggs/year: 100 to 160 Eggs Raised: Rivershire	White Duck Uses: meat Eggs/year: 40 to 120 White Eggs Raised: Rivershire

Wild Duck Breeds

Blue-Winged Teal Habitat: wetlands, marshes, and shallow ponds Uses: Meat	Canvasback Habitat: lakes, marshes, and coastal estuaries Uses: Meat	Gadwall Habitat: marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes Uses: Meat	Little Bluebill Habitat: feshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes Uses: Meat
Mallard Habitat: marshes, ponds, lakes, ponds and riversides Uses: Meat and feathers	Wigeon Habitat: marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes Uses: Meat	Wood Duck Habitat: wooded swamps, marshes, and forested wetland Uses: Meat and feathers