Book 4, Question 60 · Video
Why Do Ducks Have Webbed Feet?
Webbed feet are living paddles! The skin between the toes turns each kick into a bigger push through the water. That is why ducks swim so well.
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do ducks have webbed feet?
The Big Idea
Webbed feet are living paddles! The skin between the toes turns each kick into a bigger push through the water. That is why ducks swim so well. That is why a duck looks clumsy on land, and waddles. Webs help on soft mud too, a bit like snowshoes.
Toes Spread
Step one: the toes spread. On the power stroke, the duck spreads its toes wide. The web between them opens, and catches lots of water. Geese, swans, and pelicans use paddle feet too.
Push Back
Step two: push back. The duck pushes the water backward with its feet. Action and reaction means the duck slides forward! Water pushes back on the foot, and the duck glides ahead.
Toes Fold and Repeat
Step three: the toes fold, and the stroke repeats. On the return stroke, the toes fold together, so the foot slips forward with less drag. Then it repeats, kick after kick across the pond. Less drag on the way back means less wasted energy.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a duck foot! The toes spread out like fingers. The web is the skin between the toes. The ankle helps the foot swing and turn. And together, they make a paddle for swimming.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A chicken foot is built for scratching, not paddling. Ducks can stand on ice because of special blood flow in their legs. Webs help on mud too, like snowshoes. Only feed ducks what a park allows, because bread is a poor meal. And do not chase them on the bank.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, compare a duck foot and a robin foot in pictures. Which one is a paddle? What would happen to the kick without the web? Write down your idea.
Outro
Now you know why ducks are such great swimmers. Kick, fold, and glide. A duck's feet are made for the water. Stay curious! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!