What Animal Is Quaquaval Based On?

Meet the real Domestic Duck

Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

The Domestic Duck was bred from the wild Mallard and is heavier, tamer and usually unable to fly far. Dense plumage zipped into a waterproof sheet keeps it floating high and dry while broad webbed feet paddle below.

Diet

Dabbles and up-ends in shallow water for pondweed, seeds, snails, insect larvae, worms and tadpoles, straining mouthfuls through comb-like plates along the bill. On farms it also eats grain, grass, slugs and kitchen greens.

Lifespan

Usually five to ten years when kept, and sometimes fifteen or more for pets; ducks raised for meat are killed at a few weeks.

Predators and threats

Foxes, dogs, raccoons, mink, hawks and owls take adults, and rats, crows, gulls, pike and snapping turtles take eggs and ducklings. Ducks head for open water when alarmed, and farm flocks are shut in at night.

Meet the real Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

The Indian peafowl is a large pheasant known for shimmering plumage, loud calls, and elaborate train displays in open woodland and human-modified landscapes.

Diet

Seeds, grains, shoots, fruit, insects, small reptiles, and other small animals.

Lifespan

Wild birds are usually put at around 10 to 15 years, though few have been followed for life; well-kept captive birds commonly reach 20 or more.

Predators and threats

Leopards, dogs, jackals, pythons, mongooses, raptors, and nest predators pressure peafowl to stay alert despite their ornament. The train is magnificent, but survival still depends on roosting, alarm calls, and cover.