Wild Duck: A Feathered Traveler
The wild duck, often represented by the mallard, is a familiar and beloved sight in zoos and natural reserves. Known for its adaptability, this bird thrives in diverse habitats, from city ponds to rural wetlands. Male mallards, with their shimmering green heads and distinctive quacks, often steal the show, while the mottled brown females are celebrated for their incredible nesting skills.
In the zoo, wild ducks are usually housed in expansive ponds surrounded by reeds and aquatic plants, mimicking their natural wetlands. Visitors can watch them dabbling on the water's surface, searching for seeds and insects, or listen to their cheerful quacking. Zoos also use wild ducks to educate visitors about the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems, emphasizing how these birds contribute to the health of their habitats.