I discovered ducks are empathic when my Maggie was just a young duck. As an imprinted duck, and my first duck, she had rule of the home.
Yes, she lived inside with me. She truly believed I was her mother, so to separate her from me would have been cruel. Not to mention noisy, as she would not stop calling for me even if I was only out of the room, out of sight for 1 minute. Like puppies and kittens, they look to their ‘Mum/owner’ to give knowledge as well as stability. And like all young animals, they do eventually grow up and find some independence. Phew.
The Light Dawns
I digressed to give some context of how much a part of my life Maggie was. In this context of being Mum to a duck, there was one day when I received some very sad news. I did a lot of crying that day and Maggie stayed very close. I did not think much of this as she normally was so nearby in those days. Then, at one point I was on the bed, crying, and Maggie flew up, walked up and cuddled herself against me.
Now Maggie was not a cuddler by nature. She was too busy exploring and dominating her world. But this day, she cuddled. And I noticed. She truly was trying to give me comfort. Touching her beak to my cheek, and making a cooing noise. That was the first indication and the start to realising that ducks were empathic.
Recognising Empathy
It was cemented when a couple years later, I had to tell my then partner some heartbreaking news. I consoled him as best I could. Maggie was in our little garden in front of the cottage and came in to check on us.
When Mr P got up to take his grief outside for a walk, Maggie followed him. And even though he was not wanting company, Maggie would not leave him. She followed him all around the grounds in silence, and comfort. Her level of empathy was truly amazing.
Duck Responses
I have had many incidences since, not just of sorrow but anger and joy too, where I have realised that the ducks are tuning in. Crying, they wish to comfort. Anger or yelling and they quiet, stand around and stare in trepidation. Joy and they join in the euphoria, zooming around me or quacking a certain happy quack.
The amount of empathy does vary slightly, like it would in humans. Maggie was most definitely the most empathic, and/or sympathetic. At first I thought it was an imprinted thing, but my only other imprinted duck, Gabby, was definitely not as empathic. All the ducks respond, but the amount and involvement does depend on the ducks temperament and personality.
I’m Wondering
So the curious question to me is, why are ducks empathic? Mother nature doesn’t just evolve us all in certain ways for no reason. Which makes me think that birds are empathic to understand or recognise what is a predator and who is a friend. It’s actually my cats that made me consider this.
I have one cat, Noisette, who thinks its the funniest thing to run at the ducks and bound over them. A sort of pounce, without actually pouncing. Needless to say the ducks do not think it as funny as she does. But still, when she does it they do, very noticeably, recognise that she is playing and not attacking. To know the difference they must read something in her body language or temperament, eg empathy.
And I remember when Maggie and Gigi (another cat) were growing up together, often they would cuddle. But Gigi as a kitten also liked to play. Actually they both liked to play, but there were times when Maggie knew to steer clear of Gigi. She definitely knew there were times when it was safe to play or snuggle with Gigi, and times not to. So my theory is that ducks are empathic to better determine what is intending harm or who can be trusted.
It’s Not Just Ducks
And it is not just ducks. Chickens too. I have noticed even that the birds in my garden react similarly. I have lots of different types of birds that live and hang about my wee French medieval home and garden. Finches, crows, owls, sparrows…
A bird lover friend counted 28 species in my garden alone when she visited. (Amazingly able to tell birds simply by their calls, as well as by sight – what a gift!) They too react when our ducks react, though to me at least, the reaction isn’t quite as strong. But maybe that is simply because they are like the aunts, uncles and cousins to the immediate family, and so thus one level removed.
Learning Something New
Oh, and along these same lines, I can tell you that Ducks Grieve too. Deeply. And so much more. Truly they are fascinating creatures. If you would like to learn more about the various aspects of ducks, check out my Duck 101 – Learn About Ducks posts.
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