Floating Ducks

Steph asks: I guess since the topic of ducks has come about ... I'll follow up with the question ... if ducks float because of oil in their feathers, does that mean I can lather myself in oil and float?

NO NO NO NO NO!!! I have to give you credit for the creativity though, because I would never have arrived at that thought myself.

While it is true that the oil that coats the duck feathers enable them to float, that's not why they float. Ducks float because the waterproof feathers allow them to trap air in the inside, and the trapped air helps the ducks stay on top of the water. So please don't lather yourself with oil and try to jump into a pond, I don't think that'll be very fun. On second thought, why don't you try it? It would be fun for everyone else to watch .... mwahahaha

Here's a more detailed explanation:

The reason ducks stay afloat is complicated. There is a special gland that produces oil back near the duck's tail. As the duck preens itself, the oil is spread out over it's feathers and coats them making them waterproof. Because the feathers are waterproof, they can trap air and this also helps to keep the duck afloat. When the duck dives under for food, the air is squeezed from the feathers. Also, the duck has air sacs (lungs) that it empties before diving. When it has caught the fish or whatever it is after, it kicks back to the surface. As it's head breaks the surface, it takes a deep breath and as the lungs fill up, it is jerked to the surface. A quick ruffle of the feathers and it is back to normal, floating on the surface.