Ducks are generally described by birdwatchers as 'dabblers' or 'divers'. This refers to how the ducks feed on the water of ponds and lakeshores. Mallards are dabblers. They paddle slowly in shallow water looking for snails, worms, insects, or seeds among the aquatic plant material. They dip their heads under water and search for food with their bills. But their bodies are very buoyant, so when feeding they are almost comical as they bob and dabble, with tails upright and legs visible.
