Editing Duck (section)

===Predators===
[[File:Ringedteal.PNG|thumb|[[Ringed teal]]]]
Ducks have many predators. Ducklings are particularly vulnerable, since their inability to fly makes them easy prey not only for predatory birds but also for large fish like [[Esox|pike]], [[crocodilia]]ns, predatory [[testudines]] such as the [[alligator snapping turtle]], and other aquatic hunters, including fish-eating birds such as [[heron]]s. Ducks' nests are raided by land-based predators, and brooding females may be caught unaware on the nest by mammals, such as [[fox]]es, or large birds, such as [[hawk]]s or [[owl]]s.

Adult ducks are fast fliers, but may be caught on the water by large aquatic predators including big fish such as the North American [[Muskellunge|muskie]] and the European [[Esox|pike]]. In flight, ducks are safe from all but a few predators such as humans and the [[peregrine falcon]], which uses its speed and strength to catch ducks.