5 Fun Facts About Ducks

Every now and again we try to carve out time to pay respect to some of the most respectable and resplendent wildlife species found in nature, and for some particular reason, the Outdoor Project editorial team thought now was as good a time as any to shed light on this triumphant family of aquatic bird species.

While ducks are by no means mysterious creatures, with the help of About.com we thought it would be fun to share some little-known facts about these ubiquitous birds. So, here it goes:

1. Ducks are a cosmopolitan bird in the Anatidae family (that also includes geese and swans) that can be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. 
2. In North America alone there are at least 28 various duck species.
3. Most male ducks are silent and very few actually "quack." Instead, their calls may include squeaks, grunts, groans, chirps, whistles, brays and growls.
4. Ducks have been domesticated as pets and farm animals for more than 500 years, and all domestic ducks are descended from either the mallard or the Muscovy duck.
5. A baby duck is called a duckling, and an adult male is a drake. An adult female duck is called a hen or a duck, and a group of ducks can be called a raft, a team, or a paddling

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