Dabbling is a distinctive feeding behavior seen in many duck species and other waterbirds. When a duck dabbles, it tilts its body forward and lowers its bill just beneath the water's surface to feed on aquatic plants, seeds, small invertebrates, and insects floating nearby. The bird keeps its feet and tail above the waterline while its bill dips and filters food from the surface film.
Unlike diving ducks, which plunge completely underwater to search for meals, dabbling ducks never fully submerge. This allows them to exploit surface-level food sources efficiently while staying alert to predators. The name itself comes from the characteristic dipping motion the bill makes as the bird searches for its next bite.