What Do Ducks Eat?

Ducks are omnivorous birds with a varied diet that includes aquatic plants, insects, seeds, and sometimes even small animals. Their food choices depend on their habitat, the season, and their species. Most ducks feed in or near water. Dabbling ducks, such as mallards, are often seen tipping forward in shallow ponds or marshes to reach vegetation under the water. This behavior known as “tipping up” allows them to feed beneath the water’s surface without diving. These types of birds along with others also forage on land or in shallow water for seeds, grasses, and small invertebrate animals.

Diving ducks, on the other hand, have a unique way of feeding. Unlike their dabbling relatives, they are adapted for underwater foraging, with streamlined bodies and rear-set legs that make them excellent swimmers. These ducks can dive over 20 feet deep to reach food such as crabs, mussels, crayfish, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Species like the canvasback and scaup rely on this ability to exploit food sources at the bottom of lakes, bays, and coastal waters. Unlike dabbling and diving ducks, which forage for natural foods in the wild, domestic ducks are typically fed a controlled diet of grains, vegetables, and commercial feed.

The diet of ducks can also vary depending on the season and their geographical location. In temperate regions, where they are most common, ducks may have access to different types of food throughout the year. During migration, they may have to adapt their diet based on the available resources along their route. This adaptability is crucial for their survival, especially during long migratory journeys.