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Ducks are a set of animal species belonging to the family Anatidae. They are characterized by their vocalizations, which we know as the famous "quack". These animals have webbed feet and have a wide variety of colors in its plumage, so that we can find completely white, brown and some with emerald green areas. Without a doubt, they are beautiful and interesting animals.
Chances are, you've already seen them swimming, resting, or peacefully walking in a park, however, Have you ever wondered if duck flies or not? In this article by PeritoAnimal, we'll end your doubts and even explain some curious facts that you can't miss, understand.
Duck flies?
As we've already mentioned, the duck belongs to the family Anatidae and, more specifically, to the gender Anas. In this family we can find other bird species that are characterized by inhabiting aquatic environments, so that they can fully develop and realize their migratory custom.
Yes, duck flies. You ducks are flying animals, that's why all ducks fly and are able to travel great distances and reach amazing heights to reach their destination every year. There are about 30 species of ducks which are distributed throughout America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Depending on the species of duck, they can feed on seeds, algae, tubers, insects, worms and crustaceans.
How high do ducks fly?
The different species of ducks are characterized by being migratory. They usually fly long distances to get away from winter and find warmer places to reproduce. Each of these species, therefore, is capable of flying at different altitudes, depending on the needs demanded by the distance they must travel and the adaptations their bodies have developed.
There is a species of duck that flies and stands out among all the others for the impressive height it can reach. It's the rust duck (ferruginous truss), a bird that inhabits Asia, Europe and Africa. During the summer season, it inhabits some areas of Asia, North Africa and Eastern Europe. On the other hand, in winter you prefer to venture around the Nile River and South Asia.
There are some rust duck populations that spend most of their time in the vicinity of the Himalayas and descend to the lands of Tibet when the time comes to reproduce. For them, when spring arrives it is necessary to reach altitudes of 6800 meters. Among the ducks, none fly as high as this species!
This fact was discovered thanks to research carried out by the Center for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter. The study, by Nicola Parr, revealed that the Rufous Duck is capable of making this journey by dodging the highest peaks and crossing the valleys that make up the Himalayas, but that task remains for the species the ability to reach astonishing heights.
Why do ducks fly in a V?
Have you ever had the opportunity to contemplate a flock of ducks flying around? If not, you've certainly seen it on the internet or on television, and you've noticed that they always seem to cross the sky arranged in a way that simulates the letter V. Why does it happen? There are several reasons why ducks fly in a V.
The first is that, in this way, the ducks that form the group save energy. Like? Each flock has a leader, an older and more experienced bird in migrations, who directs the others and, incidentally, receive with more force the blows of the wind.
However, their presence at the front allows, in turn, to reduce the intensity with which the rest of the group affects the air currents. Likewise, one side of the V gets less air if the ducks on the other side face the currents.
With this system, the most experienced ducks take turns to assume the role of leader, so that when one bird gets tired, it moves to the end of the formation and another takes its place. Despite this, this change of "shift" usually only occurs on return trips, that is, one duck guides the migratory journey, while the other guides the return home.
The second reason for adopting this formation and V is that, in this way, the ducks can become to communicate between each other and make sure that none of the group members get lost along the way.
See more fun facts about ducks: the duck as a pet
Swan fly?
Yes, swan flies. You swans are birds similar to ducks, as they also belong to the family Anatidae. These animals with aquatic habits are distributed in different areas of America, Europe and Asia. Although most existing species have the white plumage, there are also some that sport black feathers.
Just like the ducks, the swans fly and they have migratory habits, as they move to warmer areas when winter arrives. It is without a doubt one of the 10 most beautiful animals in the world.
