Duck Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Written by Rebecca Bales — Published: February 22, 2023

How to Play:

Pay close attention to the image and captions provided to help you figure out the answer.

Key Points:

Ducks have waterproof feathers that keep them dry and warm even in the wettest conditions. They achieve this through a gland near their tail that secretes oil, which they spread over their feathers with their beaks.
Ducks are excellent swimmers and divers, using their webbed feet and wings to paddle and steer through the water. Some species can even dive up to 30 feet underwater to search for food.
Ducks are social animals that communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as quacks, honks, and whistles. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males show off their plumage and perform elaborate dances to attract females.

Welcome to the Duck Quiz! Ducks are a common sight in parks, ponds, and other bodies of water around the world.

While they may seem like simple creatures, there is actually a lot to learn about these feathered friends. Whether you’re a seasoned bird-watcher or simply have a curiosity about these fascinating creatures, this quiz is a fun and educational way to test your knowledge of ducks.

So, let’s dive into the world of ducks!

A Mallard duck swimming in the water — Pascal Halder/Shutterstock.com

What type of bird is a Duck?

Nonpasserine

Anseriformes

Piciformes

Passerine

These beautiful birds have a blue-gray beak with a black tip and a green band that flows back from its eye. — Anton MirMar/Shutterstock.com

What is the average lifespan of a Duck in the wild?

5-10 years

2-5 years

14-18 years

9-13 years

Cute ducklings in the morning on green grass background — iStock.com/Agus Prianto

Where do Ducks live?

North America

Asia

Africa

Australia

Five Awesome Facts About Ducks

Ducks are fascinating creatures that are well-known for their unique features and behaviors.

Here are five awesome facts about ducks that are sure to surprise you:

Ducks have waterproof feathers: Ducks have a gland located near their tail that secretes oil, which they spread over their feathers with their beaks. This oil makes their feathers water-resistant, keeping the ducks warm and dry even in the wettest conditions.
Ducks can swim and dive underwater: Ducks are excellent swimmers and divers. They use their webbed feet to paddle through the water and their wings to balance and steer. Some species of ducks can even dive up to 30 feet underwater to search for food.
Ducks are social animals: Ducks are social creatures and often live in flocks. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as quacks, honks, and whistles. They also have a unique courtship behavior, where males show off their plumage and perform elaborate displays to attract females.
Ducks have a unique digestive system: Ducks have a specialized digestive system that allows them to digest a wide variety of foods, including insects, seeds, and even small fish. Their system also enables them to extract more nutrients from their food, allowing them to survive in a variety of environments.
Ducks have a remarkable sense of direction: Ducks have an amazing ability to navigate using the earth’s magnetic field. They can also use visual cues, such as the position of the sun and stars, to help them find their way. This skill allows them to migrate thousands of miles to breeding and feeding grounds with remarkable precision.

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts about ducks. With their unique features, behaviors, and abilities, it’s no wonder why these feathered friends have captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world.

Ducks fly in a V formation to save energy. — iStock.com/photosbyjimn

Rouen ducks are almost identical to Mallards — iStock.com/MikeLane45

What is the average weight of a male Duck?

6-8 lbs

4-6 lbs

8-10 lbs

2-4 lbs

Ducks can serve many purposes on the farm whether it is providing eggs or meat or even helping with pest control. — iStock.com/kunchainub

What is the average weight of a female Duck?

4-6 lbs

8-10 lbs

6-8 lbs

2-4 lbs

What better name for a duck than the iconic Daffy Duck. — iStock.com/Maria Jeffs

What is the most common color of a Duck’s bill?

Green

Yellow

Orange

Blue

Steamer ducks can't fly, but they don't let other birds push them around. They will fight and kill larger raptors and waterfowl. — iStock.com/Michel VIARD

How many different kinds of Ducks are there in the world?

100

200

167

How many species of Ducks are there in the United States?

100

Appearance and Behavior

Ducks are known for their distinct appearance and behavior. They are medium-sized birds with broad, flat beaks and webbed feet that help them swim and dive. There are over 120 species of ducks in the world, each with unique characteristics and colors.

In terms of behavior, ducks are social animals that often live in flocks. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as quacks, honks, and whistles. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males show off their plumage and perform elaborate dances to attract females.

Ducks are excellent swimmers and divers. They use their webbed feet to paddle through the water and their wings to balance and steer. Some species of ducks can even dive up to 30 feet underwater to search for food.

One of the most notable features of ducks is their waterproof feathers. Ducks have a gland located near their tail that secretes oil, which they spread over their feathers with their beaks. This oil makes their feathers water-resistant, keeping the ducks warm and dry even in the wettest conditions.

Ducks have a unique digestive system that allows them to digest a wide variety of foods, including insects, seeds, and even small fish. Their system also enables them to extract more nutrients from their food, allowing them to survive in a variety of environments.

What is the scientific name for a Duck?

Anas platyrhynchos

Anatidae

Anas clypeata

Anas strepera

What kind of feathers do Ducks have?

Flight feathers

Contour feathers

All of the above

Down feathers

Gadwall — Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock.com

What is the average wingspan of a Duck?

28-32 inches

24-28 inches

32-36 inches

36-40 inches

The Harlequin Duck has beautiful colors. — iStock.com/AGAMI stock

What is the average length of a Duck?

18-20 inches

16-18 inches

14-16 inches

12-14 inches

What is the Lifespan of a Duck?

The lifespan of a duck varies depending on the species and environmental factors, such as predators, disease, and availability of food and water. On average, most species of ducks have a lifespan of around 5 to 10 years in the wild. However, some species can live up to 20 years or more in captivity.

Factors that affect the lifespan of ducks include their size, habitat, diet, and level of protection from predators. Larger species tend to live longer than smaller ones, as they have fewer natural predators and are less susceptible to disease.

Ducks that live in protected environments, such as zoos or nature preserves, tend to have longer lifespans than those living in the wild. In captivity, ducks are less exposed to predators and environmental hazards and are provided with a consistent supply of food and water.

The diet also plays a significant role in the lifespan of ducks. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, such as grains, seeds, insects, and small fish, can help ducks live longer and healthier lives. Ducks that are fed a diet high in protein tend to have stronger immune systems, which can help them fight off diseases and infections.

Finally, the level of protection from predators can greatly impact the lifespan of ducks. Ducks that live in areas with a lot of natural predators, such as foxes or snakes, are more likely to have shorter lifespans. Similarly, ducks that are hunted by humans for sport or food are also at greater risk.

In summary, the lifespan of a duck depends on a variety of factors, including species, size, diet, habitat, and level of protection from predators. While most ducks have a lifespan of around 5 to 10 years in the wild, some species can live much longer in captivity or protected environments. By providing a safe and healthy environment with a balanced diet and protection from predators, we can help ensure that these fascinating birds live long and happy lives.