Forget the Ugly Duckling, Meet the Smarty Ducklings!

After ducklings hatch 🐣 the next 20-50hrs are critical for them to imprint on their mother, giving them a mental template for what they are supposed to follow using visual & auditory cues

This is important not only for the first 2 months when the ducklings need protection, but also allows them to distinguish their own species from other animals when searching for a mate 🦆

🧠 Recent research in animal learning has shown that once imprinted, ducklings that are presented with two unfamiliar objects can distinguish which object is most similar to their template

Prior to 2016 the potential for this type of abstract comparison of “same or different” was only confirmed in primates and a couple non-aquatic birds with extensive training 🤓

#animallearning #ducklings #mallard #sciencecommunication #duckface
#birdphotography #animalbehavior #mallardduck #wildlifeeducation