Duck Anatomy

Here is a diagram of the external anatomy of a Drake (male duck).

Duck Anatomy

Drakes (male ducks) are brightly coloured with iridescent (brilliant, colourful effect) green feathers on thier heads, light brown feathers on outer wings and a dark brown plumage. Ducks have orange, sometimes red webbed feet. Ducks have a white ring around their necks and small eyes on the sides of their heads. The average duck measures 20 – 23 inches long.

Most ducks have a wide flat beak adapted for dredging (the repositioning of soil in a marine environment). They exploit a variety of food sources such as grasses, aquatic plants, fish, insects, small amphibians, worms and small molluscs.

Here is a diagram of the external anatomy of a Hen (female duck).

Hen Anatomy

The Hen (female duck) has mottled brown feathers, a brown plumage and also has a white ring around her neck like the Drake. She has a brown beak and small eyes on the side of her head. Female sea ducks pluck the soft feathers from her own plumage to make her nests for her young. These feathers are collected from around the coastlines and used to stuff quilts and pillows.

Duck Foot

This is a close-up of a ducks webbed foot. As you can see, each foot has three claw-like toes and in between each is a stretch of web which is flexible. The webbed feet help the duck swim more smoothly and faster because it acts like a paddle.

Duck Flippers If you look at a flipper that humans use for swimming, you will see that the shape and style is based upon a ducks webbed feet. If you have ever used flippers, you would have noticed that you are able to swim much faster and more smoothly.