Why do ducks and geese dip and twist in the air when approaching a landing site? - Roy
Answer:
Hi Roy!
Great question, especially since many of us will be witnessing “side-slipping” from our blinds this fall with the ducks and geese descend into our decoys!
Waterfowl are always aware of the wind direction and force especially while taking off and landing. In fact, two forces achieve the mechanisms of flight: gravity that pulls them down and air resistance that causes drag. Side-slipping is a mechanism geese use to quickly loose altitude in order to land in a particular field or area of water. Ducks will not necessarily use side-slipping to loose altitude, but will dip and twist during landing or in order to make dramatic turns, or compensate for variable wind speeds. In either case, ducks and geese shift the body rapidly into many positions, throwing their feet out wide to maintain balance as the bird maneuvers downward. During this time, the head is always held at levels steady with the horizon in order to help maintain their vision and orientation. Waterfowl do not depend on vision alone to keep their head horizontal, but use a balancing function within the vestibule of the ear. This balancing function keeps the bird orientated no matter what crazy angles their bodies are undergoing. Much like a cat’s ability to always land on their feet!
There is a great spread of pictures and more details explaining the miracles of flight in our winter 2006 Delta Waterfowl Report if you’re interested! Thanks for the question Roy, and have a great waterfowl season!
Sincerely,
Carly Michie - Delta Waterfowl Biologist
Email us as biologist@deltawaterfowl.org - if it's selected for the web site you will receive a Delta T-Shirt!
