Like Water Off A Duck's Back
The effects of applying water to the back of a duck, ideally from above, are nonchalance on the part of the duck and redirection in many parts of the water. This may not be true of another birds of the family Anatidea, those being swans and geese, for reasons as yet unverified. The liquid applied will follow the natural contours of the down and body of the animal in obeying gravity’s nature dictates. The liquid previously mentioned was water, as previously mentioned. It is not proposed or assumed that other liquids will work in the same way - think of an oil slick.
What would be the repercussions of placing a duck on a body of water back face down? The oils of the down would repulse the water, as usual, but how would the resultant force become manifest on the animal?
If the duck has an indented spine, the water may run off towards the tail. This would project the duck forward at a speed related to the flow of water along the back and, thus, to the tow of the water body in general. With its rudder, that is legs, in the air, the duck has no control over velocity or direction and may suffer accordingly.
A duck (or drake) with a fuller figure may repulse the water across the whole surface area of its back. This would not, as you may presume, propel the creature into the air, but, rather, the displaced water leaves a vacuum into which the duck is slowly sucked. The gangling looseness of its neck and head means that these parts are usually drawn beneath the surface first.
Another option is that the placement of fats, limbs and other anatomical attachments naturally buoy the duck and that it would simply bob back into its regular position.
What would be the repercussions of placing a duck on a body of water back face down? The oils of the down would repulse the water, as usual, but how would the resultant force become manifest on the animal?
If the duck has an indented spine, the water may run off towards the tail. This would project the duck forward at a speed related to the flow of water along the back and, thus, to the tow of the water body in general. With its rudder, that is legs, in the air, the duck has no control over velocity or direction and may suffer accordingly.
A duck (or drake) with a fuller figure may repulse the water across the whole surface area of its back. This would not, as you may presume, propel the creature into the air, but, rather, the displaced water leaves a vacuum into which the duck is slowly sucked. The gangling looseness of its neck and head means that these parts are usually drawn beneath the surface first.
Another option is that the placement of fats, limbs and other anatomical attachments naturally buoy the duck and that it would simply bob back into its regular position.