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You are here: Home / Animals / Why Does Water Roll Off a Duck’s Back?

Why Does Water Roll Off a Duck’s Back?

July 16, 2020 by Karen Hill

This happens because oil and water don’t mix.

water off a duck's back

When a duck is swimming or out in the rain, the bird secretes an oil from glands near its tail. With its bill, the duck rubs the oil over its body.

The oil keeps the water from soaking through the duck’s feathers, making the bird “waterproof.”

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Filed Under: Animals

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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