Ducks are highly sociable birds, attractive to the eyesight but prey to many wildlife animals, including our everyday pets.
These semi-aquatic animals are prey to cats, raccoons, foxes, and the like.
Hence, you’ll hardly see a duck living or moving alone. Just like other animals when they gather together, what is a group of ducks called?
A group of ducks is best referred to as a raft, paddling, waddling, badling, team, or flock, depending on the species, where they are, and what they’re doing. The collective names are more, but the common ones are a few.
Ducks are widespread in every continent except Antarctica. They are lousy little creatures with waterproof feathers, a more reason why they are seen in groups.
In this article, we will explore the various collective nouns used to describe a group of ducks, as well as delve into the fascinating world of duck behavior and communication.
So, whether you’re a birdwatcher, a duck hunter, or simply a lover of all things feathered, read on to learn more about these birds.
What is a Group of Ducks Called?
When it comes to naming a group of ducks, there are a few different terms that can be used depending on the context.
The most common term is “flock,” which generally refers to any group of birds.
The collective nouns for ducks while on the water include a raft and paddling; while on the ground, they can be called a waddling, badelynge, and badling of ducks.
However, a group of ducks specifically are associated with other collective names, such as:
- Badelynge
- Badling
- Battling
- Bed
- Brace
- Brood
- Bunch
- Coil
- Company
- Dab
- Daggle
- Diving
- Dopping
- Fleet
- Flock
- Flight
- Flush
- Game
- Gang
- Gathering
- Knob
- Leash (Three Ducks)
- Little Knob
- Lute
- Paddle
- Paddling
- Pack
- Pair
- Party
- Plump
- Pod
- Pryde
- Puddle
- Puddling
- Safe
- Skein
- Smeath
- Sord
- Sorde
- Sore
- Sort
- String
- Suce
- Sute
- Team
- Trip
- Wabbling
- Wedge
Interestingly, different types of ducks have different group behavior and communication.
For example, a group of Mallard ducks is called a “sord” while a group of Wood ducks is called a “flush”.
It is important to note that many of these terms are used more commonly in certain regions or contexts.
For example, a “dab” of ducks might be more commonly used in hunting language, while a “pod” of ducks might be more commonly used in coastal regions.
In any case, it is always fun to spot a group of ducks in the wild, and now you can impress your friends and family with your new duck-group vocabulary!
Related: The Exhaustive List of Animal Group Names
Why is it Called a Raft of Ducks?
When you see multiple ducks swimming in the water, what do they often look like?
From this point of view, we can all understand why a raft or paddling best describes a group of swimming ducks.
Ducks love to swim together for a couple of reasons. The first is based on survival.
Being the prey of many predators in the wild, these semi-aquatic animals prefer swimming with other pairs.
This makes it difficult for other hunting animals to get through with their plans successfully.
With multiple ducks in one space, one could easily see any predator approaching in their direction.
A raft of ducks usually includes birds of different species. Rarely will you see these animals distancing themselves, except for the breeding season.
Do Ducks Flock in Multitudes?
For some reason, people call a large group of flying ducks a flock.
These birds move in such packs for survival, as they become a difficult target for predators in such scenarios.
Ducks also move in flocks to help protect younger ones and fetch food.
Younger ducks tend to follow their mother for quite some time until they can survive on their own.
Until then, these babies stay through to their role by sticking to the pack and flocking together with them anywhere they go.
You’ll also find ducks flocking in large groups outside of the breeding season. They are most friendly during this period and will likely pair up.1
Spring formation is common in long migrations. It is at this period that you’ll find them on their best behavior.
What is a Group of Baby Ducks Called?
A “brood” is the collective name for a group of baby ducklings. This is because female ducks brood their younger ones until they hatch.
Hatchlings are born with sight and feathers and can walk immediately after birth. It is common to see a group of baby ducklings.
The adult hens usually lay an average of twelve eggs (range of three to fifteen). The number of newborns depends on the age of the female duck.
Research proves that ducks between the ages of one and two undergo an impressive reproduction process.2
Other collective nouns for a group of baby ducklings include a waddle, flock, or baddling.
What is a Pair of Ducks Called?
A brace is the collective noun for a pair of ducks. The name dates back to English times and is sourced from Anglo-French.3
It is a common term for hunters and is best applicable in situations when a duo is caught.
Ducks create pairs during the breeding season. Mallards are fond of creating theirs in October and November and will nest in March.
What is a Group of Mallard Ducks Called?
Mallard ducks are one of the most widespread species worldwide. They are highly sociable.
One of the things they know how to do best is forming large flocks. Come to think of it, you may wonder if they have a group name.
The collective names for a group of mallard ducks include a fistful, suit, or sword. The list goes on.
These species are common, and quite everywhere, so they have multiple group names, some of which are weird and wacky.
But that’s what most collective nouns are, right?
What is a Group of Flying Ducks Called?
A “skein” or “team” best describes a group of flying ducks. When in flight, such packs exhibit intelligence that helps them to fly safely.
Flying ducks form a tight V-shape that looks like skein. They do this to ease off and retain strength during long flights.
How Many Ducks Make a Flock?
Depending on the circumstance at hand, a flock in the wild can range from three to ten birds up to a hundred and even thousands.
Domestic ducks can be between three and fifteen. And as for mid-size hobby flocks, they can range from fifteen to twenty.
Conclusion
A set of animals with high vulnerability to multiple sets of predators, ducks are still one of the best domestic and breeding choices.
Their reproduction rate is rapid, which means more newborns. However, these birds are better off in groups. It’s their tradition.
As you have seen in this article, there are many different terms that can be used to describe a group of ducks.
Each term carries its own connotation and is used in different contexts and regions.
So, next time you spot these birds in groups, you’ll know exactly what to call them!
Next up…
- What Is A Group Of Owls Called?
- What Is A Group Of Eagles Called?
- What Is A Group Of Pandas Called?
- 10 Rarest Birds in the World & Where To Find Them
References & Notes
- Ducks and ducklings. Parks and Wildlife Service.
- Blums, P., Hepp, G. R., & Mednis, A. (1997). Age-Specific Reproduction in Three Species of European Ducks. The Auk.
- Duck shooter holding a brace of ducks. National Library of New Zealand.
