Duck

The most commonly seen and recognized ducks belong to the subfamily of "dabbling" or "marsh" ducks. These ducks feed by tipping forward in the water and pushing their heads under, while raising their tails out of the water. Dabblers include the black duck, the wood duck and the mallard. Another numerous subfamily are the "diving" ducks which actually dive, placing their entire bellies below the surface, as they feed on the bottom vegetation and invertebrates. Eiders, buffleheads and goldeneyes are examples of diving ducks.

The most commonly found duck in the world, and probably most recognized, the mallard, numbers nearly 10 million in North America alone. The strong and fast-flying mallard is the forefather of the domestic white duck and frequently breeds with it.

Today's photo is by Paul Wiegman.

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