Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 16/07/2007 15:56:53

Title: Water off a duck's back: how do ducks dry off after a dip?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 16/07/2007 15:56:53

How much more appropriate, if any, is that for ducks rather than for other birds?

I've noticed that wild birds in the garden, and my caged birds, can shake themselves almost dry after a bath. So, are duck feathers more waterproof than other birds or not?

Title: Re: Water off a duck's back: how do ducks dry off after a dip?
Post by: Bored chemist on 16/07/2007 20:36:54

Ducks certainly have oil glands that they use to maintain the waterproof nature of the feathers, I don't know about other birds.

Title: Re: Water off a duck's back: how do ducks dry off after a dip?
Post by: paul.fr on 17/07/2007 09:24:03

Bc is correct, i think it's the preen gland in ducks which makes a waxy substance, which the ducks then apply with their bill.

Title: Re: Water off a duck's back: how do ducks dry off after a dip?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 17/07/2007 17:12:51

I know it's down to secretions; but do ducks have more or better secretions than other birds? From what I can make out, other birds shuck off water just as well as ducks do.

Title: Re: Water off a duck's back: how do ducks dry off after a dip?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 30/10/2018 02:33:59

Quote from: Bored chemist on 16/07/2007 20:36:54

Ducks certainly have oil glands that they use to maintain the waterproof nature of the feathers, I don't know about other birds.

I've read somewhere that penguins also do, although I don't know whether it's true.