Ducks have been an integral part of human history in various aspects—as symbols, sources of income and even companions. Among these, the call duck holds a special place. With its unique quack and cute appearance, this water-dwelling animal has transformed from an assistant into humans’ best friend.
The story of call ducks began in the 17th century. Bred in the Netherlands, they were initially used by hunters to attract and trap wild ducks. Call ducks have an incredible ability to produce loud quacks, or calls, which are notably different from those of most other ducks. This sound draws waterfowl, which eventually fall prey to traps.
鴨子在人類歷史的各個方面一直是不可或缺的一部分――作為象徵、收入來源，甚至是朋友。在這些方面中，柯爾鴨占有特殊的地位。柯爾鴨有著獨特的呱呱聲和可愛的外表，這種水棲動物從助手變成了人類最好的朋友。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
柯爾鴨的故事起始於十七世紀。牠們起初在荷蘭繁殖，被獵人使用來吸引、獵捕野生鴨子。柯爾鴨有著能發出巨大呱呱聲的驚人能力，這也是牠們與其他大多數的鴨子特別不一樣的地方。這種聲音會吸引水禽，致使牠們最終落入陷阱。
（*標題的big personalities原是形容一個人特別突出、讓人留下深刻印象，此處用於強調柯爾鴨的與眾不同。）
Words in Use
Photo: Shutterstock 照片：Shutterstock
1. companion n. 朋友，同伴
A loyal dog can be a wonderful companion for little kids.
忠誠的狗狗可以是小孩最棒的朋友。
companionship n. 陪伴，情誼（表狀態，不可數）
Sammy kept a cat for companionship after she moved to a big city alone.
珊米獨自搬去大城市後，養了一隻貓來陪伴自己。
company n. 陪伴，作伴（不可數）
I like to put on headphones and listen to a podcast for company when I’m alone.
當我獨自一人時，我喜歡戴上耳機、聽 podcast 作伴。
2. breed vt. 繁殖，飼養 & n. 品種
Some popular types of dogs were illegally bred for the purpose of making profits.
為了營利目的，有些受歡迎的犬種被非法繁殖。
This rare breed of orchid can only be found in the rainforests.
這種稀有的蘭花品種只能在雨林中找到。
3. initially adv. 起初
The novel initially received mixed reviews but ended up being a classic.
這本小說的評價起初褒貶不一，但最終成為經典。
Practical Phrases
1. fall / be prey to... 深受…之害；成為…的犧牲品
prey [ pre ] n. 獵物；犧牲品（不可數）
Inexperienced hikers can easily fall prey to dangers in the wild.
沒經驗的登山客很容易在野外落入危險之中。
2. compared to / with... 與……相比
The weather in the south of this island is warm compared to that of the north.
這座島南部的天氣與北部相比是暖和的。
3. take off 起飛
This spot is a great place to watch airplanes take off from the nearby airport.
要看飛機從附近機場起飛，這是個很棒的地點。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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