How Fast Can A Duck Swim? Mallards Got a Record Of 20 Miles Per Hour!

The aquatic waterfowl or ducks have a swift-moving ability to swim on average 2 to 5 miles (3 to 9 km) per hour. Some species can go faster, like 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km) per hour. As a record, Mallard was named the fastest swimming duck who completed 20 miles (32 km) each hour. However, diving ducks or dabbling ducks are no less than them!

So, you understand, “How fast can a duck swim?” To get more facts about ducks swimming, go a little further. I’ll hook you up here and share the researched knowledge I found about ducks’ swimming speed. Let’s dive into this!

How Fast Can A Duck Swim? Facts You Never Knew!

Although they have a flying ability of 40 to 60 miles per hour, duck swimming ability is less, around 2-5 miles, as I stated. But note that ducks’ swimming speed is influenced by environmental factors, their species, and other factors.

For example, when mallards have 20-mile records, diving ducks are commonly known to cover 15 miles per hour while swimming. And they prefer to swim rather than fly. So, with more than 100 duck, goose, and swan species, we cannot say which one is the swift.

However, my research found that mallards and teal ducks have some records.

Now, you may ask about how far they can go underwater or some other facts related to swimming. So, I’ll cover it up! Besides, I’ll look at the duckling’s swimming ability as well.

How Far Can Ducks Swim Underwater?

Diving ducks such as Common Eiders are popular as good swimmers who can go 8 to 18 miles (12.9 to 25/26 km) every hour when underwater. But other ducks swim underwater for a short distance, like 3-8 meters, or often stay 10 to 30 seconds.

However, all ducks generally swim up to depths of 30 feet and remain submerged for one minute. Here is a video for a clear understanding of how ducks swim underwater. It’s about a wood duck swimming so fast.

Can Ducks Swim Faster Than Humans?

Yes, ducks can swim faster than humans. Ducks are swift swimmers, and they can move through water so fast because of their streamlined bodies and webbed feet.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has covered 4.7 miles per hour by swimming. At the same time, mallard ducks have covered 20 miles per hour. So, ducks are faster than humans in water.

Related Readings:

• Can Ducks Swim In Chlorine Water
• Ducks Swimming In A Circle

How Fast Can Baby Ducks Swim?

Baby ducks or ducklings have a slower swimming ability than adult ducks. They basically have a gentle pace, around 0.5 to 1 mile per hour. But when developing, their swimming ability develops, and they become swift over time.

8 Types Of Ducks And Their Swimming Speed

Not every duck can be the Usain Bolt, but most of them are swift when they swim. It’s especially the diving ducks. However, let’s take a look at the estimated speed of ducks with swimming capability.

6 Things That Make Ducks A Fast Swimmer

Ducks’ swimming speed depends on various factors. Here, I’ll mention all the things that make them fast swimmer waterfowl.

Mallards are an exception with their swimming and flying abilities. But why are mallards and other ducks exceptional? Let’s clear it out!

1. Ducks Have Streamlined Body: With an aerodynamic shape, ducks have streamlined bodies. This is the reason that lessens their water resistance when they swim and makes them faster.
2. Stability Of Wings: Ducks get proper balance and stability due to their large wings.
3. They Have Webbed Feet: The way we paddle, ducks paddle with their webbed feet and move faster in the water to swim.
4. Oil Glands Near Tails: For faster movement in the water, oil glands produce oil to coat the duck’s feathers. More specifically, the preen gland or uropygial gland. It’s what keeps their feathers dry so they swim faster.
5. Natural Buoyancy: Ducks feathers can trap air and interlock, which is ducks’ buoyancy. It allows them to stay afloat and swim swiftly.
6. Their Strong Legs: Duck’s legs are strong enough to paddle while they swim. So, it helps them to swim too fast, especially the diving ducks.

Why Do Ducks Swim So Faster? 5 Reasons Behind!

I discovered ducks swim fast in water due to 5 common reasons. Here are those:

1. Natural Foraging Behavior: Ducks swim fast to catch their prey in water. It’s their natural behavior to have some free meal in water, such as aquatic insects or small fish.
2. Avoiding Predator: Ducks may swim faster to avoid predators in water.
3. Regulating Temperature: Ducks run swiftly or swim fast to maintain their body temperature, what we call thermoregulation.
4. They Love To Swim: Usually, they spend half of their time in water. So, take fast swimming as their daily activities. 
5. Fast Swimming As Transportation: Fast swimming often requires you to visit one location to another for food or resting purposes.

Recommended article: How Smart Ducks Are

FAQs

Take a look at the commonly asked questions related to ducks swimming. You’ll get more clarification here.

Final Words

So, the average speed of ducks swimming is 2-5 MPH. But it may vary based on the duck’s species, age, and their environment. As I said, diving ducks are always in swiftness, and other ducks are not far behind. They are speedy swimmers as well. For example, Mallard got the record for 20 MPH speed swimming.

If you have ducks, let them swim and see how fast they move. I would say no less than Usain Bolt in water! However, what makes them fast are their streamlined body, webbed feet, oil glands, natural buoyancy, and, of course, leg strength.

Sources and References:

• https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/who-is-the-fastest-swimmer
• https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/duck-feet/