Basically, domestic ducks [particularly drakes] get dumped & can live a long time, especially in parks or where they get fed. Sooner or later something usually eats them as they are mostly too fat to fly. The curled tail feathers on the male are diagnostic, as only the Mallard & its domestic derivatives have them. The only exception is the Hawaiian Duck, which has a sort of suggestion of curled tail feathers without going all the way.
Basically, domestic ducks [particularly drakes] get dumped & can live a long time, especially in parks or where they get fed. Sooner or later something usually eats them as they are mostly too fat to fly. The curled tail feathers on the male are diagnostic, as only the Mallard & its domestic derivatives have them. The only exception is the Hawaiian Duck, which has a sort of suggestion of curled tail feathers without going all the way.
