Listen: 'You bloody fool' - Australian talking duck proves birds can imitate speech

The first documented instance of ducks being able to mimic sounds has researchers reviewing the evolution of vocal language learning in birds

Musk duck: The recording of the talking duck appears to be the first comprehensively documented instance of the species being able to mimic sounds they hear, joining other birds including songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds.

Australian musk ducks can imitate sounds including human speech, with one bird recorded repeatedly saying “you bloody fool”, according to a new study.

The recording of the talking duck appears to be the first comprehensively documented instance of the species being able to mimic sounds they hear, joining other birds including songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds.