How High Can Ducks Fly?

The majority of ducks can fly, something which applies to both wild duck species and breeds of domestic duck. Ducks are waterfowl that belong to the Anatidae family, a family that also includes swans and geese. This is important for migratory behaviors, although it is true that ducks can spend a lot of their time on the ground or in water.

Some duck species have lost the ability to fly. These are found in the genus Tachyeres, with all but one species being completely flightless. Known as steamer ducks, even the flying steamer duck (Tachyeres patachonicus) rarely lifts off into the air. The reasons for this evolution towards flightlessness is poorly understood, but a gene has been isolated which is linked to this inability to fly^[1].

Other wild duck species are less able to fly due to alterations in their body. This might be reduced wing size or even large bodies which make prolonged flight more difficult. Due to living in and around water, duck plumage is thick and dense. They also have a layer of fat secreted by the uropygial gland that they place on their beaks, which makes them waterproof and prevents water from penetrating. Flying ducks have a strong wing musculature which allows them to lift off the ground.

Certain domestic duck breeds are also flightless. This is often seen as a beneficial trait in domestic ducks since it makes it easier to keep them in captivity. Selective breeding has resulted in their inability to fly. Since many are kept for their meat, they may also have been bred to have large bodies which prioritizes size over flight ability.

The molting process of ducks

The seasonal renewal of feathers is very important for this family of birds. Also known as remiges, the flight feathers are shed all at once, leaving the duck unable to fly for approximately 20 or more days. This flight feather molting process in ducks occurs once a year. The rest of the duck's plumage occurs twice a year. This does not take away the possibility of flight.

Male ducks lose their bright colors with the annual molt, which are recovered in a short time when the second partial molt ends. In the case of females, the first partial molt usually occurs when the chicks become independent from the mother, meaning it occurs a few weeks later than in males.

Whether flying or flightless, you can learn about all the different types of ducks with our related guide.

Duck flight ability varies depending on the species, size, morphology and behavior of the individual bird. Ducks tend to have relatively short and pointed wings compared to other waterfowl, allowing them to fly quickly and steadily. Despite this, the way they take flight, the height they reach and the distance they travel depends on the species in question.

Some species can take off almost vertically from the water thanks to their powerful wing musculature. This is seen in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a wild duck widespread in the northern hemisphere. This ability allows them to quickly escape predators. Other species need to gain momentum by running across the ground before taking off, due to their more compact body structure. This is seen in the red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) which is native to Eurasia and North Africa, as well as the ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) found in the Americas and Europe.

Migratory species are capable of flying long distances and reaching incredible altitudes. These include the northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) and the Chiloé wigeon (Mareca sibilatrix). In addition to flying long distances and reaching considerable altitudes, they are known to organize themselves in V formations. Some duck species make transoceanic flights, flying non-stop from their breeding to hibernation sites. An example is the lesser scaup (Aythya affinis).

Generally speaking, ducks can be categorized by how high they fly. Below we have provided the different classifications with some example species from each:

• Low-altitude flying ducks (up to 1,000 ft/300 m): mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) and wood duck (Aix sponsa).
• Mid-altitude flying ducks (1,000-5,000 ft/300-1,500 m): gadwall (Mareca strepera) and northern pintail (Anas acuta).
• High-altitude flying ducks (above 5,000 ft/1,500 m): greater scaup (Aythya marila), ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) and common eider (Somateria mollissima).

The ruddy shelduck is the highest-flying duck. This bird was recorded during trans-Himalayan migrations flying at altitudes up to 22,000 ft (6,800 m)^[2]. Some ducks such as the black scoter (Melanitta americana) can exceed speeds of up to 56 mph (90 kmph) in sustained flight.

Learn about duck diet with our article asking what do ducks eat?

Birds fly in a V formation to take advantage of the updraft generated by the birds in front. By flapping their wings, the leading birds push the air downward and backward to reduce their drag. If the trailing ducks position their wingtips in these updrafts, they can save energy and optimize their long-distance travel.

To distribute effort evenly, birds rotate positions throughout the flight. This allows different members to take the lead at different times. This strategy not only improves gliding efficiency, but it may also help reduce their heart rate, protecting their health during long journeys. It also allows them to maintain visual and auditory communication with each other, improving coordination and group cohesion during migration.

It should be noted that not all species of ducks use this form of flying. There are species with more sedentary habits that can fly in disorganized groups or independently. Generally speaking, migratory birds have a larger heart to allow for sustained flight, among other adaptations^[3].

Now that you know how high ducks can fly, you may want to know whether ducks have teeth by reading our related guide.

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