July 30, 1999

     Ducks and Geese

In the Twin Cities area, the Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks that lose their flight feathers early in the summer are flying again.  All ducks, geese and swans of North America shed their flight feathers and spend time as flightless birds.  Although it varies, this usually occurs between June and into August.

Ducks, swans and geese individually shed all their flight feathers simultaneously once a year, rendering them unable to fly until they are replaced.  Ducks moult all their other feathers two times a year; swans and geese have one annual moult, during which the entire plumage is renewed.