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Birding/Duck speed?
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Question
Dear Julia,
When I was younger, I heard on this show called Henry's Amazing Animals that there were some ducks which could outspeed cheetahs in the air. Is there any truth to this? I've remembered this for a long time, and am wondering if there was actually any truth to it.
Thanks for your time. And sorry if you don't know the answer to this.
I have heard the fastest that a duck can fly is 60 miles per hour. But that would be in a burst. They could not maintain that speed for long. Cheetahs average a maximum speed of 75mph and can maintain that for more than a burst. So I can't vouch one way or the other on the tidbit you've got there. There are hundreds of species of ducks. Possible he was referring to a specific breed, like a grebe or an eider.
That's all I can tell you,
Julia
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Answers by Expert:
Julia Booth
Expertise
I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.
Experience
I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.
Organizations
Audubon Society
Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.
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