The German Pekin Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a European breed of a domestic bird in the Anatidae family of mallard ducks. It is also known as the White Pekin Duck and related to the American Pekin Duck.
The German Pekin Duck has an upright, broad, heavy body with thick layers of creamy-white feathers with a yellowish tinge. Its beak is short and orange. Its eyes are small and dark. It has orange webbed feet.
It grows to about 33 centimetres (13 inches) long.
The German Pekin Duck originated in China, and is now found in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. It prefers wetlands, especially small, shallow bodies of water.
It is omnivorous, eating a varied diet. It does not dive for food. Instead, it forages at muddy edges of a lake or pond, and also on land. It eats seeds and aquatic animals, such as crabs, snails, and water insects.
The German Pekin Duck is seen in pairs or small groups. It builds a nest in tree stumps using vegetation. The female lays 6-8 eggs, which hatch after 25-27 days. The female looks after the chicks.
Location: Paris Zoo, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM