I'd want a duck because I grew up watching too many episodes of Friends. I did my research and from many sources they stated that ducks require massive amounts of attention, care, & social interaction.
I wouldn't feel right being out late nights or traveling knowing my duck could be in distress due to my absents so I'll have to put it further on my bucket list.
Digressing, lol, my aunt had a cockatiel that she trained to whistle happy birthday, I think he lived to be about 18 years old.
My sister has five ducks. They are like having pets which don't want to be petted. She calls out to them and they'll come across the padock to see if she has any food for them, else they tend to wander off and enjoy their social time.
Sounds like your aunty had a good friend. Are cockatiels high maintenance?
Maybe since they're in a flock they have a different mentality, opposed to being just one with their owner? My aunt would have to refill his food and water maybe 2 times a week max, clean his cage and reline the bottom about twice a month, and clip his wings maybe once every 2 months.
The most maintenance is easily having to sweep up all the dropped bird feed and loose feathers that make their way out of the cage which seemed to be too often lol