DUCKS
PART 2
The definition of a duck contains some twists. It is only the
females that are the ‘ducks’, whilst the male are ‘drakes’.
The males’
showy
plumage makes them stand out as their
iridescent and bright green heads are
unmistakable. The drakes vivid colours advertise
their breeding qualities to the females. The
brighter and more striking they are, the more
genetic qualities they have.
As a result of the ducks selecting only the
best drakes to mate with, their chicks receive
the highest quality genetic stock. The natural
consequences are that these chicks then have
the best chances to survive in a dangerous and
difficult world. They can pass on their genetic
codes and continue the species.
However, when the breeding season has finished
and the drakes have done their duties, their once
brilliant head feathers become shabby, probably
due to the drakes’ huge efforts and heavy
responsibilities in caring for their families. Over
the ensuing months, these old and dreary feathers
are once again replaced in the moulting phase,
just in time for the following courting, mating and
breeding times.
This contrasts to the more drab brown and cream
females. So why is this? These more neutral
markings suit the females’ lifestyles and break up
the ducks’ outline when they are spending time
near nest materials, twigs and ground debris. The
birds are camouflaged when they are incubating
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