Ducks Can Change Their Flight Feathers to Fly Better in Wind
Some ducks, like the mallard, grow special flight feathers that adjust shape in seconds by using tiny muscles at the base. This lets them twist or cup their wings to handle gusts and fly smoothly. Scientists watch these changes with high-speed cameras to learn how birds stay stable in storms.
💡 Fun detail:
The same feather muscles can help ducks brake so quickly they can land almost like a helicopter, surprising bird watchers.
Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology