Speeding Duck in Switzerland: Caught By Radar at 52 km/h Again After 7 Years

On 13 April 2025, a speeding duck in Switzerland made headlines when a roadside radar on Wangentalstrasse in the municipality of Köniz, near Bern, flashed at 52 km/h in a 30-km/h zone only to reveal a low-flying mallard as the unexpected offender. This unusual incident not only caught the attention of local citizens but also raised questions about wildlife behavior and the safety of roadways in residential areas.

In a curious twist, officials checked the archives and found a nearly identical radar photo taken on 13 April 2018, capturing a mallard at the exact same speed and location, which led to speculation among birdwatchers and locals alike about whether this particular duck had developed a reputation as a repeat offender.

The story quickly went viral and was covered by major outlets like The Guardian, igniting a wave of jokes and memes across social media, and sparking global fascination with the antics of this unusual avian character, prompting discussions about the intersection of wildlife and urban infrastructure.

How Fast and Why Can a Duck Fly?

Wildlife biologists note that mallards routinely cruise between 70 and 90 km/h in level flight, so 52 km/h at low altitude is well within their capabilities, especially if boosted by a tail-wind along the gently downhill road. The stretch borders the Gürbe River, a known feeding and nesting corridor, which may explain why a startled bird would accelerate over the asphalt.

In addition to providing ample food sources like aquatic plants and small insects, this unique corridor offers a safe haven for various bird species, allowing them to thrive in proximity to the river. The vibrant ecosystem nestled along the banks is a crucial factor that attracts not just mallards, but also many other migratory birds seeking refuge during their journeys. Such environments contribute greatly to the overall health of the region’s wildlife, making it a site of significant ecological impact.

Thus, the combination of favorable flying conditions and the rich habitat could easily prompt a mallard to swiftly navigate the area, displaying its impressive adaptability and survival instincts.

Speeding Duck Caught Again in Switzerland: Same Mallard, Same radar 7 years later

Mallard ducks, one of the most common wild duck species in Europe, generally have a lifespan ranging from five to ten years in their natural habitat. Given this biological timeframe, it’s entirely plausible though not certain that the mallard captured by the radar in 2025 could actually be the very same bird that triggered the camera back in 2018. Alternatively, it could be a descendant of the original offender, possibly following the same habitual flight route passed down across generations, guided by instinct and local familiarity.

Since the duck was never tagged with a band for identification purposes, and no genetic testing has been conducted, authorities acknowledge that the true identity of this aerial speeder will likely remain unknown. Still, both high-resolution radar images clearly show a male mallard with the distinct iridescent green head characteristic of the species, suggesting either an uncanny coincidence or a remarkable case of avian punctuality.

Viral Reaction Around the Globe

The curious case of the speeding duck in Switzerland has captured international attention not just for its humor, but for the remarkable coincidence it represents. Whether the bird photographed in 2025 is the same mallard that triggered the radar in 2018 or a completely different duck following the same flight path, the mystery remains unsolved. Yet the story highlights how modern surveillance technology, designed to monitor human behavior on the roads, can occasionally intersect with the unpredictable patterns of wildlife.

This viral moment, centered around a duck unintentionally caught in a human-made system, reminds us that even routine traffic monitoring can reveal surprising and often entertaining glimpses into the natural world. Another 2025 headline that went viral

No Ticket for the Feathered Felon

Under Swiss traffic law, penalties for speeding violations are strictly reserved for registered vehicle owners those who operate motor vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks. As such, despite Switzerland’s reputation for rigorous enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach to road safety, the mallard duck caught flying at 52 km/h in a 30-km/h zone is exempt from any legal consequences. No fine can be issued to a bird, regardless of how clearly it triggered the radar. Nevertheless, the radar device that captured the now-famous Speeding Duck in Switzerland is not just any ordinary speed camera.

It is a highly accurate, tamper-proof unit that is subject to rigorous annual certification by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, ensuring it consistently meets national standards for precision and reliability. The photograph it recorded of the duck flying at 52 km/h will be formally archived and preserved within the town’s official records, marking it as a truly unique moment in the intersection of technology and wildlife. Remarkably, officials in the municipality of Köniz have even proposed displaying the image in the local council hall, not only as a humorous anecdote but also as a symbolic reminder of how even systems designed for road safety can unexpectedly document extraordinary encounters with nature like that of the Speeding Duck in Switzerland.

A Flash of Wild Wonder

Whether it was the same bird that caught by radar or just a perfectly timed passer-by, the speeding-duck saga highlights how technology meant for motorists can capture moments of pure wildlife serendipity, reminding us that even the most ordinary streets can play host to extraordinary stories.

For more strange and thought-provoking stories, feel free to explore our blog section where we cover the world’s most bizarre happenings.