“Quack, quack!” Can you hear it? That’s the sound of the Duck in London.
This artwork adds character to the area. Its presence sparks curiosity. People notice it.
Ducks are common in the UK. The mallard is most familiar. You can see it everywhere.
Mallards have over 100000 breeding pairs in the UK. In winter, their numbers swell to 700000. Birds migrate from Russia and other countries. They come to Britain and Ireland.
Male ducks often have bright colors. This helps them attract mates. Females are usually brown. This helps them hide while nesting.
Some ducks are dabblers. They filter algae from the water’s surface. Others are divers. They hunt for mollusks and fish.
The teal is Britain’s smallest duck. The eider is the largest. It can weigh over 2kg.
Some ducks migrate to the UK for warmer conditions. They feed up before flying back. The UK is like a service station for them.
Feeding ducks bread isn’t good. It has little nutritional value. It can pollute the water. Instead, feed them peas, corn, or oats. These are much healthier.
Ducks have played a big part in our lives. People have collected down for pillows. Ducks have been hunted for food.
Many places in the UK are great for duck watching. London Wetland Centre is one of them. It’s a winter resting ground for many species.
Keep an eye out for the ducks when you’re in London. Enjoy their beauty. Remember to protect them. And don’t forget the Duck artwork.