Ruddy Shelducks ( Tadorna ferruginea) are good fliers, have a strong wing beat and fly at heights of over 17,000 feet. The Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a strong flier that generally flies below 10,000 feet but, during migration, will fly at altitudes anywhere between 200 to 4,000 feet. Hence, records like these confirm that some species can reach a great height. Most birds fly below heights of 500 feet to save energy and stay clear of danger, including any predators such as hawks.Īn exhibition to Everest found a skeleton of a pintail at 16,400 feet, whilst documentation shows that a jet plane flying over Nevada struck a Mallard at 21,000 feet. Heights of up to 22,000 feet during migration are not uncommon for certain species including mallards and ruddy shelducks. The coverts are softer than the flight feathers and create a stiff, smooth surface to allow for optimal airflow whilst the tail feathers act as a rudder helping to control and stabilise flight.ĭuring the moulting season, ducks lose their flight feathers, with some species unable to fly for three to four weeks.Įxamples of domestic ducks that are unable to fly are:ĭuring migration, ducks will typically fly at much greater altitudes to avoid overheating and dehydration. Coupled together with their long primary flight feathers (providing thrust whilst flapping) and shorter secondary flight feathers (providing lift when gliding), all aid for effective flight along with the bird's wing coverts. The majority of migratory ducks have powerful wing muscles. To keep their bodies airborne, they have to flap almost continuously regardless of their wing size. Ducks can travel long distances, in particular, during migration. Ducks, in general, have curved pointed wings, with some species having relatively small wings compared to their body size.
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