Domestic Ducks

Domestic Ducks

Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

Eats

All ducks, wild and domesticated, are omnivores. They often eat grasses, aquatic plants, insects, worms, and small fish.

Lives

Domestic

Behavior

Ducks are diurnal and love to live in flocks.

Description

Domestic means that these animals were bred in captivity for human use; whether that be livestock or companionship. Domestic ducks are typically larger than your average wild duck species. Most domestic ducks, besides the Muscovy Duck, are descended from the Mallard Duck. The duck with red markings on its face is specifically a Muscovy Duck. Wild Muscovy Ducks are native to Mexico and Argentina, but most were domesticated to be used as livestock. Today, domestic Muscovy Ducks are a common occurrence in ponds and lakes here in the United States.

Did you Know?

Mill Mountain Zoo is home to many animals who wouldn't survive being released into the wild or are at risk of extinction.

How can I Help?

Because these ducks are domesticated species, they are not listed by the IUCN. However, if you do decide to get a domestic duck, it is important that you do not release them in the wild! These domesticated ducks can interbreed with wild ducks, creating hybridized species. These hybridized ducks are often ill-suited for the wild.

Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct in the Wild
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