Why Do Ducks Sleep With Their Bills Under Their Feathers?

Question: My wife has noticed ducks sleeping with their bills tucked under their feathers. Why do ducks sleep in this way?

-Chris Taylor

Answer: It may look uncomfortable, but this is a way for ducks to keep warmer.

Bills obviously have no feathers, so they can loose a lot of heat. To solve this problem the duck just tucks the bill into some feathers.  Think of it like putting your hands in a jacket pocket on a chilly day. 

Look at those same ducks and if they are standing up I bet you will see that they often stand on one leg and tuck the other into their feathers.  Same thing – saves heat.

Thanks for the great question.

-Dr. Elizabeth Loos