Feathers are a feature of most birds especially ducks and while they may look pretty and make your birds look beautiful, they serve so many other important features.
Why do ducks have feathers? The major importance of a duck’s feather is for migration and for flight. Another one is for insulation against harsh weather conditions and to stay warm during cold weather, as well as protecting them from the sun’s harsh rays. Finally ducks also use their feathers, especially when it is brightly colored to attract a mate and keep and also for sexing with their mates.
Why do ducks have feathers?
Now I know I have mentioned the reasons why ducks have feathers but most times it’s usually a lot deeper.
1. Ducks use their feathers for migration
One of the most important uses of feathers for ducks is their migration
You can find ducks anywhere in this world apart from antarctica.
This is because it is too cold form them over there and because ducks do not like areas that are very cold, they will migrate to areas that are warmer
The reason why they migrate is because ducks find it very difficult to stay warm and to find food in cold weather.
They also migrate to breed and to lay eggs. If they lay eggs in cold weather, their baby ducks called ducklings might not survive.
The feathers of ducks usually allow them to migrate and travel in large groups called flocks
One very unique thing about ducks and their feathers while migrating is that it allows them fly in a v shaped formation
This shape helps them fly easier by ensuring that each bird pulls its weight while flying and saves energy by taking turns being in front, blocking the wind for the others and it allows them to keep track of all the ducks in the group.
2. Ducks use their feathers to protect them from the weather
Another reason why ducks have feathers is to protect them from cold weather conditions
We just mentioned that ducks hate the cold and will move to areas that are warmer.
But while they are in cold areas, they use their feathers to protect them from the cold
Ducks can stay very warm in cold weather because they have a nice thick layer of body fat and also their waterproof feathers.
3. Duck feathers help them find mates and in mating
When female ducks want to mate or pick a mate, they usually go for drakes with beautiful and colored feathers.
One of such displays is something called the head up, tail up display
What happens is that the drake pulls up his wings and shows his brightly colored tail feathers
This quick gesture is most times done for the female’s benefit to impress her and hopefully get her as a mate.
Types of duck feathers
There are 4 main types of feathers that can be found on a duck’s body.
Each one has a special function and is structured differently on your birds
Here they are
1. The down feathers
A ducks down feathers are the very first and fine layers of feathers that you see on your bird
It usually covers young ducklings and are found under the tough exterior feathers of old birds.
They generally cover the abdomen of the bird and with their loose structure will trap air and insulate the ducks against heat loss.
2. The contour feathers
These are the outermost feathers on the duck that covers the wings, tail and the body.
They usually make up the color and shape of the bird and in most cases are the distinguishing factors for determining breeds of ducks
Each contour feather usually has a well developed shaft and comes with barbs that are branching off them.
It also has tiny barbules that will radiate from the barbs which will then lock together to create a smooth and neat plane.
Some breeds of ducks have slightly differently structured contour feathers that will change color and this helps distinguish them from other duck breeds.
Contour feathers have something called a hackle feather which is the long fine feathers that covers the ducks neck and saddle.
3. Semiplumes feathers
The semiplume feathers are usually found hidden between the contour feathers that cover the body and they act as extra insulation for the birds when they want to keep warm.
This is the feather of ducks that helps to maintain that smooth and streamlined appearance of the birds.
They have a shaft like contour feathers, but not the hooks that hold the barbs together, so they get the soft appearance of down feathers
4. The filoplumes feathers
These are situated at the base of each contour feather and are stiff and hair-like in appearance. Filoplumes lack specific feather muscles, but are supplied with nerve-endings that react to help keep the contour feathers in position.
How do ducks take care of their feathers?
Feathers are a marvel of natural engineering for birds, but ducks need to constantly take care of their feathers
- Ducks spend a couple of hours every day bathing and caring for their feathers. This is the reason why ducks need a pond with water in it.
- Ducks have an oil gland right at the base of their tail that secretes a preening fluid that keeps their feathers soft and pliable. This oil gland secretion also helps keep their feathers from breaking, keeps them waterproof and enhances their aerodynamics when flying.
- Ducks also realign their feathers by using their beaks to reconnect any Velcro like barbules that have become separated.
- Ducks experience something called molting which is a natural process that replaces some or all of their feathers that have broken or are worn out. This usually happens at least twice a year and ensures that the duck’s feathers are always in top condition.
Conclusion
Ducks have unique feathers which are very important to them.
The most important one is for migration.
Also their feathers help them in staying warm during cold weather and also in finding a mate.
