Ducks sleep in water in various ways, often tucking their heads into their back feathers to stay warm and afloat. Some species, like the North American Ruddy Duck, paddle with one foot while sleeping to stay in place.
Here's a more detailed look:
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Staying Afloat: Ducks have buoyant bodies due to air trapped in their feathers and air sacs in their lungs. This natural buoyancy allows them to float easily on the water's surface, even when sleeping.
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Conserving Heat: Ducks often tuck their heads under their wings to reduce heat loss, especially in cold water. This posture minimizes the surface area exposed to the cold air and water.
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Paddling: Some duck species will gently paddle with one foot to maintain their position or slowly swim in circles while sleeping. This prevents them from drifting away or bumping into obstacles. The reference mentions the North American Ruddy Duck uses this method.
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Alertness: While sleeping, ducks exhibit unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. This means they can rest one half of their brain while the other remains alert. This allows them to stay partially aware of their surroundings and potential threats, even while sleeping in the water. They also often sleep in groups, with some ducks remaining vigilant while others rest. This provides a further layer of protection.
In summary, ducks are well-adapted to sleeping in water by using their natural buoyancy, conserving heat, and remaining partially alert to danger.
