How Male Ducks Sleep In Mid Day

Ducks exhibit flexible sleeping habits, altering their behavior to maximize energy usage, minimize exposure to predators and serve social needs. However, most pet ducks -- including mallard-derived breeds and domestic Muscovy ducks -- sleep in a stereotypical posture, or derivation thereof, with their head resting on their body. Ducks must be mindful of predators while they sleep, so they often employ special tactics to keep them safe while snoozing.

Ducks -- especially young ducklings whose heads appear comically heavy -- may sleep in a variety of positions. However, usually you will see your duck napping in a stereotypical sleeping posture, with his head rotated backward, resting on his back. He may tuck his beak under the feathers on his back while sleeping in this position. Rather than rotating their heads, some ducks pull their necks backwards and rest their beak on their chest.