In January 1992, in the Pacific Ocean, a cargo of thousands of plastic ducks fell from their ship into the sea. Fifteen years and 17,000 miles later, many of them landed in Cornwall and other beaches along the British Isles. Some landed up on the shores of Hawaii and Alaska, while other got stuck in the Arctic ice. One was even found in Scotland!

They certainly travelled far and wide, together and alone.

Plastic Ducks

 

2 – Duck Feather Pillows

A duck’s feathers are waterproof and are therefore used to make pillows, quilts, and cushions.   They can last for many years, as long as they are washed regularly.

 

3 – Ducklings

Once the male duck, a Drake, find a mate, the Hen will then take the Drake to its nesting place so that their Duckings can be born in the Spring / Summer.

Baby Ducklings

4 – Duck Feet

Ducks have webbed feet so that they can swim and paddle in the water.

 

5 – Where Ducks Live

Ducks are mostly aquatic birds and may be found in both freshwater and seawater.   Ducks live everywhere in the world apart from Antarctica because it’s too cold for them.

 

6 – The Toy Duck

One of the first toys a child has at bath-time is a yellow rubber duck.  Who cannot remember having one of these?

Rubber Duck

 

7 – How Long Do Ducks Live

Wild Ducks can live for approximately twenty years, depending on the breed.  Pet ducks generally live for 10 to 20 years.

 

8 – Why Ducks fly in a “V” shape.

According to scientists, this formation makes flying easier for them.  Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, and with the air flowing coming off their wingtips, it results in a reduction of wind resistance.

Ducks Flying

 

9 – A Group of Ducks

A group of ducks is called rafts, or teams. A group of Mallard ducks on the ground is called a ‘sord’ and in flight, they would be called a ‘flock’ of ducks.

 

10 – Ducks Relations

Ducks are related to Swans and Geese but have shorter necks and wings.  Ducks are stouter and Geese are longer in the body.

 

11 – Cricket Duck

A ‘Duck’ is a batsman’s dismissal for getting a score of zero, in a game of cricket.

Cricket duck

 

12 – Duck Love

To call someone “Duck” or “Duckie” is meant as a term of endearment in some parts of the British Isles.

 

13 – A Duck Move

To duck (a verb) is to quickly move your head downwards, to protect yourself from, perhaps a flying duck!

 

14 – A Duck Boat

Duck Boat is a self-propelled vehicle designed for use on water or road.  If you do a search on Google, you may find that there may be tours locally.

 

15 – Duck Feed

Most children love feeding the ducks and often think of them as their own pet ducks. They generally use bread as the main duck feed. Unfortunately, there are not enough nutrients in bread, so peas, grapes, greens, and special seeds are best.

Feeding Ducks

 

16 – Duck Cartoon

One of the most famous duck cartoon characters is Walt Disney’s Donald Duck, loved by millions of children.  His character was created in 1934 – 80 years ago!

Donald Duck

 

17 – Barrowford Duck

The Skellee Superhero rescue story for children, set in Barrowford, Lancashire.  Thankfully Superhero Harvey Skellee used his superpowers to rescue the Barrowford duck.

Superhero Harvey Skelllee

 

If you can add to this Duck Fact Sheet, please add in the comments below.

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