Although both swans and ducks live in water, they are actually quite different. From their size and habitat preferences to their appearance and behavior, each bird brings its own charm to the waterways they call home.
Swans and ducks can be mainly distinguished by the following five aspects:
1. Size and Weight
The skeletal structure of swans is different from that of ducks, which may lead to their increased weight. The size of swans differs greatly from that of ducks. Regardless of the type or breed of duck, swans far outnumber them.
In fact, swans are considered one of the largest birds in the world - and for a good reason! The average length of a swan is 30-60 inches, while the average length of a duck is 10-20 inches.
This means that swans also weigh considerably more than ducks. Swans have a different bone structure than ducks, which can cause them to weigh more. For example, ducks weigh an average of 1-3 pounds, while swans weigh up to 30 pounds!
This is an extreme difference, and you can tell that swans are bigger than ducks by looking at them.
2. Location and Habitat Preferences
Although both swans and ducks have a wide variety of water habitats around the world, they do have some preferences that set them apart from each other.
Ducks prefer rivers, ponds, and lakes, while swans prefer open water or wetlands.
3. Appearance
Not only are swans larger than ducks, but they also look very different.
Ducks come in a variety of colors and feather patterns, while swans have a more basic appearance overall. Swans typically have feathers in shades of black, white, or gray, while ducks display a wider range of colors, including green, orange, blue, brown, yellow, and black. There is a duck in almost every color!
There is no denying that swans have longer and more elegant necks compared to ducks. In fact, that's part of the reason swans are so well-known.
Their grace and elegance have to do with their necks, whereas ducks have simple and average-length necks. Both birds have webbed feet for swimming, but the swan's bill is larger and more pronounced than the duck's.
4. Behavior
There are some key differences in the behavior of swans and ducks. Although both waterfowl live in groups of birds known as flocks, swans are more defensive and aggressive than ducks for one reason.
Ducks prefer a shy presence, while swans are known for their protectiveness.
5. Lifespan
The last difference between swans and ducks is their lifespan. Swans live far longer than ducks, and this can be for a number of reasons. The average lifespan of a swan is 8-12 years, while the average lifespan of a duck is 4-8 years.
