What Is a Duck’s Habitat?

Georgios Michalogiorgakis/CC-BY-SA 2.0

Wetlands, such as ponds, streams, lakes and lagoons, and woodland areas, such as swamp forests and stands of mangrove trees, are natural habitats for ducks. Ducks are common in varying climates around the world, including Alaska, China and regions of Australia and the Caribbean.

There are approximately 120 species of ducks throughout the world, and 50 are indigenous to North America. The most common and recognizable duck is the mallard, with a white ring on its neck, a rust-colored chest and a lustrous green head. Ducks are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet that includes aquatic plants, fish, mosquito larvae and fruit. Some species graze cultivated lands for grains.