Ducks belong to the same family as Geese and Swans. All these Waterfowl (called Anatidae) have webbed feet and waterproof feathers. When They preen, these Waterfowl rub oil on their feathers to make them waterproof.
The Duck Family contains a great variety of Birds. Resembling Geese, Whistling Ducks have long legs and necks. To climb trees, Perching Ducks have sharp claws on their feet. Domestic Ducks (mostly descendants of Mallards) are a part of many barnyards.
Many people are familiar with Dabbling Ducks that frequent parks. They see these Ducks dip their bodies into shallow waters to feed. Dabblers have short broad bills with bony plates to strain their food. When They take off, these Ducks do so directly from the water.
Living in deeper waters, Diving Ducks go completely underwater for food. Because of their heavy bodies, Divers need to run along the water for takeoff. Warm feathers for quilts come from Eider Ducks. Meanwhile, Stiff-tailed Ducks use their tail feathers as a rudder as they dive.
Mergansers use their unusual bills to catch and hold live prey. These long narrow bills have saw teeth. In addition, they also have a hook at the end. While swimming in the water, Mergansers resemble like a head bump between a long neck and an even longer bill.
Many cultures saw greatness in these ordinary Birds. The ancient Egyptians sacrificed Pintail Ducks to Ra, their Sun God. Also, “Duck” was a part of their hieroglyphics for a Pharaoh. When, they saw a Duck skimming along the water, they glimpsed a soul leaving this world behind. For the Olmecs of Central America, Ducks were the alter-ego of the soul. In addition, the Zuni regarded a Duck to be a soul returning home.
Like Eagles, Ducks have deep spiritual significance for people. Unlike Eagles, Ducks live close to humans. Through providing feathers, food, and eggs, Ducks offer people comfort and security. By being near, Ducks became keepers of the human soul.
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Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
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