Ducks, a well-known sight across and around many bodies of water in the world, usually seem to be in two places: either quietly gliding above the still surface of a pond or waddling along a riverbank. But how well can they really fly? While most people would likely answer this question in the affirmative, ducks are not universally recognized as capable fliers. Young children, as well as many adults, often seem surprised to learn that not only can various species of ducks fly, but they also do so with a surprising degree of speed, power, and even grace.
#### The Most Common Adaptations for Flight Ducks are part of the family Anatidae, a diverse assemblage of waterfowl that also includes geese and swans. Most species of ducks are well-equipped for flight, bearing lightweight bodies, robust pectoral muscles, and wing structures that are specially adapted for attaining and sustaining flight. Anatomically—if not ecologically or behaviorally—most species of ducks could be said to be "dabbling" above and below varying body types of water; this is, after all, where ducks spend a good part of their lives.
### Variability Among Species Although many types of ducks can fly, not all do so equally. Consider the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), for example. This large, widely recognized, and successful waterfowl is a top-notch flyer, reaching speeds of perhaps 55 miles per hour. By contrast, some domesticated varieties of the duck, like the Pekin duck, have been bred for size and meat production and completely lack the ability to fly. These domesticated ducks have heavy bodies, stubby wings, and seem to thrive on the ground in the company of farmers.
### Migration and Foraging Behavior
Ducks are well-known for their migratory behavior, and many species travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. For instance, the pintail (Anas acuta) and the teal (Anas crecca) are known to migrate thousands of miles each year. Their flying ability not only assists them in migratory behavior but also is crucial for foraging, principally in aquatic habitats; for evading a variety of land and aerial predators; and for finding and establishing new breeding territories. Behaviors associated with flight and the maintenance of social groups during foraging are significant for duck survival. Duck flights usually are not far from the surface of the water because the birds for some time may charge low against the wind, in which case they appear to be going backward. When they go upward, in interference waves, they become "wind dummies." Becoming a wind dummy allows a duck to keep its feathers dry and is therefore superior to diving as a means of avoiding pursuit.
The surroundings can exert a powerful influence on a duck's flying abilities. For one thing, weather can have a pronounced effect on a duck's apparent flying performance. Strong winds, for instance, can cause a duck to fly lower and faster, while other types of weather might lead to a more leisurely flight. But human environmental modifications can be just as impactful. If we take away a duck's habitat, it will not be long before it is genetically and phenotypically a flightless duck that cannot survive.
### Conclusion While many species of ducks are capable of flight, several different factors can influence how well or often they might fly. These factors include the type of species, their individual physical condition, and several environmental influences. Why is it important to understand the flying ability of this kind of bird? Part of the reason is just plain ol' appreciation. Ducks as a whole, and some of the kinds that are more commonly found nearby, are easy to overlook. On the other hand, a duck that is doing a low-level flyover is hard to miss. Whether they might be seen flying overhead or gliding along the surface of a pond, ducks are a key part of several different ecosystems.