Why are ducks generally reluctant to fly into trees or brush when pursued?

Ducks tend to avoid flying into trees or brush primarily because they are naturally adapted to open environments where they can easily take flight and evade predators. When under pursuit, their instinct is to prioritize safety and speed, which is more readily achievable in open spaces.

While the idea that they might be loathe to encounter trees introduces an interesting perspective, the primary driving factor is their preference for open areas where they can maneuver quickly and easily without the obstruction of branches and foliage. This instinctual behavior is shaped by their natural habitat and evolutionary adaptations, which favor survival through quick escapes in open terrain rather than navigating densely vegetated areas where they may become vulnerable.

Other options hint at relevant concepts, such as conditioning to avoid obstacles, but these do not fully encapsulate the instinctual and environmental predispositions of ducks. Ultimately, their preference for open spaces is a key reason behind their reluctance to fly into trees or brush during pursuits.