Ducks are some of the cutest animals in nature. What's more, they're a common sight in urban areas; you might even have fed a few at a park or zoo. But did you know that these adorable creatures actually have some rather interesting traits? For example, have you heard that ducks are masters of survival? But that's not all, as the list of amazing facts about these adorable creatures is quite long. Here are 10 interesting facts about ducks you probably haven't heard before.
1. Ducks are not susceptible to cold.
Because their feet lack nerves and veins, they don't feel the cold. Given this unique adaptability, it's no surprise that ducks can be found everywhere on the planet except Antarctica.
2. Male ducks molt at least once a year.
In the spring, males develop a showy, vibrant plumage to impress females. However, after the mating season, they shed these feathers.
3. Cleaning helps them stay dry.
While these adorable creatures preen their feathers, they coat their bodies with a waxy oil secreted by their preen glands. This helps them stay dry.
4. Sunlight determines how many ducklings a duck will give birth to.
Ducks exposed to more sunlight produce more eggs. For this reason, some breeders create living spaces where their ducks receive at least 14 hours of artificial red or white light.
5. They have extremely well-developed eyesight.
Ducks have eyes located on either side of their heads, giving them a field of vision of approximately 340 degrees. Furthermore, the shape of their eyes allows them to see both near and distant objects simultaneously.
6. They migrate in flocks of thousands of ducks.
7. "Observant" ducks sleep with one eye open.
Ducks, especially those living in the wild, must be vigilant even while sleeping. For this reason, some act as watchdogs, sleeping away from the flock with one eye open.
8. Ducklings develop very quickly.
9. Some species of ducks lay eggs in the nests of different animals.
10. They can live in both fresh and salt water.
Some aquatic creatures can only live in lakes, while others can only live in the sea. But that doesn't matter to ducks, who are true masters of survival.
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