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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Duck

A duck is a waterfowl bird in the family Anatidae, a group that also includes geese and swans.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A duck is a waterfowl bird in the family Anatidae, which also includes geese and swans. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than swans and geese and are adapted to aquatic habitats such as shallow lakes, marshes, and swamps. The word duck can also refer to the bird's meat or to the female bird.

Taxonomy and classification

Ducks are birds in the order Anseriformes and family Anatidae. This family also includes geese and swans, which are closely related to ducks.

Physical characteristics

Ducks typically have broad bills, short legs, webbed feet, and bodies adapted for swimming. They are generally smaller and shorter-necked than geese and swans.

Habitat and distribution

Ducks are found in many aquatic habitats, including freshwater and sea water. They occur on all continents except Antarctica, and most species breed in freshwater wetlands. In Canada, ducks are common across wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas and are an important part of Canadian birdlife and hunting traditions.

Uses and domestication

Some ducks have been domesticated and are raised for meat, eggs, or ornamental purposes. In English, the word duck also refers to the meat of the bird and has several non-bird meanings.

Key facts

  • Ducks are waterfowl in the family Anatidae.
  • They are generally smaller and shorter-necked than geese and swans.
  • Most ducks are adapted for aquatic life and have webbed feet.
  • Ducks occur on all continents except Antarctica.
  • Almost all ducks breed in freshwater habitats such as shallow lakes, marshes, and swamps.
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Canadian context

Ducks are common across Canada in wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, and they are an important part of Canadian birdlife and hunting traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a duck?
A duck is a waterfowl bird in the family Anatidae, known for a broad bill, short neck, and webbed feet.
Are ducks related to geese and swans?
Yes. Ducks, geese, and swans are all members of the family Anatidae.
Where do ducks live?
Ducks live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including freshwater wetlands and coastal waters.
Do ducks occur in Canada?
Yes. Ducks are widespread in North America, including Canada, where many species breed and migrate through wetlands.
What does the word duck mean besides the bird?
It can also mean the meat of the bird, the female bird, or the action of lowering the head or body suddenly.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/duck
    Supports: Definition of duck as a relatively small, short-necked, large-billed waterfowl.
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/ducks
    Supports: Ducks as waterfowl in Anatidae, worldwide distribution, and freshwater breeding habitats.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatidae
    Supports: Family Anatidae includes ducks, geese, and swans; family distribution and broad characteristics.
  4. Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/duck
    Supports: Additional meanings of duck, including female duck and the bird’s meat.