How Ducks Swim & Walk — Reading Comprehension

Imagine being able to glide effortlessly through water and then waddle comfortably on land. Ducks do this amazing feat every day! Their bodies are perfectly designed for both swimming and walking, thanks to special structures. Understanding how ducks swim and walk helps us appreciate the wonders of animal adaptations for survival.

One of the most important features for a duck's swimming ability is its webbed feet. Look closely at a duck's foot, and you'll see skin stretching between its toes. This webbing acts like a paddle. When a duck pushes its feet backward in the water, the webbed toes spread out, creating a large surface area to push against the water. This strong push moves the duck forward quickly. When the duck brings its foot forward, the webbed toes fold in, reducing resistance and making it easier to pull through the water. This efficient design helps ducks dive for food, escape predators, and move gracefully across ponds and lakes.

But what about walking? Those same webbed feet that are so great for swimming might seem awkward on land. And yes, ducks do have a distinct waddle! This waddle happens because their legs are set wide apart and toward the back of their bodies. This position is excellent for balancing in the water and for powerful swimming. However, on land, it makes them walk with a side-to-side motion, shifting their weight from one foot to the other. Even with the waddle, their strong leg muscles allow them to walk and run effectively to find food or move to new locations.

Another incredible adaptation for ducks is their waterproof feathers. Each feather is covered in a special oil produced by a gland near its tail. Ducks spread this oil over their feathers with their beaks in a behavior called preening. This oily coating keeps their feathers from getting soaked, trapping air underneath to help with buoyancy (floating) and insulation (keeping warm). This means ducks can spend hours in cold water without getting cold or waterlogged.

So, the next time you see a duck, remember the amazing external structures – webbed feet, powerful legs, and waterproof feathers – that allow these animals to thrive both in and out of the water. These are perfect examples of how animals use their bodies for everyday survival and behavior.

Interesting Fact: Ducklings can swim just hours after hatching, even before their waterproof feathers fully develop, thanks to natural oils from their mother's feathers that rub off on them.

What do ducks use for swimming?

What keeps duck feathers dry?

Why do ducks have a waddle when they walk?

How does webbed feet help ducks swim?

What is the purpose of preening?

If a duck had long, thin, unwebbed toes, how would it affect its swimming?

Ducks use their webbed feet for both swimming and walking.

What does 'buoyancy' mean in the passage?