What Is a Group of Ducks Called? You’ve Been Saying It Wrong This Whole Time!

If you’ve ever strolled by a pond or watched ducks waddling around a park, chances are you’ve wondered, what is a group of ducks called? Maybe you’ve heard “flock” and thought that was it—but you might be surprised to learn that depending on where the ducks are and what they’re doing, the name for their group actually changes!

That’s right—a group of ducks is called many things, and most people are using the wrong one for the situation. In this fun, feather-filled guide, we’ll walk you through all the terms you should know, their meanings, when to use them, and a little bit of fascinating duck behavior along the way.

Let’s dive in (pun intended).

The Short Answer: What Is a Group of Ducks Called?

The general term for a group of ducks is a flock, but depending on location and activity, the proper name changes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Situation	Correct Term
Ducks flying in the sky	Flock
Ducks floating/swimming on water	Paddling or Raft
Ducks on land	Waddle or Brace
Domesticated ducks	Team or Bed

So, next time you see ducks, think twice before saying “a flock”—you could be missing an opportunity to sound like a true bird expert!

Why So Many Names for Ducks?

English is full of quirky collective nouns—think “murder of crows” or “parliament of owls.” Ducks are no exception. These unique terms often come from:

• Old hunting traditions in England and Europe
• Behavioral traits observed in ducks
• Poetic descriptions from medieval times

As humans observed ducks in various habitats—flying, floating, waddling—they coined terms that reflect what the birds were doing.

In Flight: A Flock of Ducks

When ducks take to the sky, “flock” is the go-to term. This is the most widely accepted and scientifically used term for ducks (and many birds) in flight.

Why Do Ducks Fly in a Flock?

Ducks often migrate in groups to stay safe and conserve energy. Flying in a V-formation allows them to:

• Reduce wind resistance
• Increase visibility for predators
• Communicate with quacks and honks

So, if you spot a V of ducks overhead, you’re looking at a flock of ducks—and yes, you’re using the term correctly!

On the Water: A Paddling or Raft of Ducks

If ducks are floating calmly on a lake or pond, the group is more accurately called a raft or a paddling.

• Raft refers to a tightly packed group resting or swimming.
• Paddling emphasizes the gentle, synchronized movement of ducks’ feet in the water.

This behavior is common among species like Mallards and Wood Ducks, who tend to gather socially on calm water surfaces.

On Land: A Waddle or Brace of Ducks

On dry land, the term shifts once again. Ever seen ducks waddling across a lawn or crossing a street in single file? That’s a waddle of ducks.

• Waddle describes both the action and the group.
• Brace is a more traditional term often used in hunting contexts to describe a pair or small group of ducks.

It’s worth noting that “brace” usually refers to two ducks, especially in old hunting texts.

Domesticated Ducks: A Team or Bed of Ducks

In farming or backyard settings, ducks are often referred to collectively as a:

• Team of ducks: Used to describe working or organized ducks (similar to a team of horses).
• Bed of ducks: This poetic term paints a peaceful image of resting, nesting ducks.

These terms are less common but still fun to know—especially if you’re raising ducks yourself.

Are These Names Official?

Yes—and no.

While you’ll find these terms in older dictionaries and hunting books, not all are “scientifically” recognized by modern ornithologists. However, “flock” is universally accepted, while the others are considered folk or poetic terms that enrich the English language.

Many collective nouns for animals originated from “The Book of Saint Albans” (1486), a hunting manual that included over 165 group names—some of which we still use today.

Examples in Sentences (Keyword Optimized)

Let’s see how to use these terms in real sentences:

• “What is a group ducks called when they’re on the water? That would be a paddling!”
• “A group of ducks is called a raft when floating closely together.”
• “What is group of ducks called while flying south for the winter? A flock, of course!”

Using the right term in the right setting helps paint a vivid picture—and impress your bird-watching friends!

Popular Duck Species and Their Social Behavior

To understand duck group behavior better, let’s look at a few common duck species and how they gather:

1. Mallards

• Extremely social
• Form flocks during migration
• Often seen in paddlings on ponds

2. Wood Ducks

• Prefer wooded swamps and quiet creeks
• Nest in tree cavities but form loose groups on water

3. Northern Pintails

• Long-distance migrants
• Often gather in huge flocks during winter

4. Muscovy Ducks

• Domesticated but still retain wild behavior
• Often seen in small groups—more of a “team” than a flock

Why It Matters to Use the Right Term

Knowing the correct collective noun isn’t just trivia—it shows appreciation for nature, supports birdwatching accuracy, and adds a little poetic charm to everyday conversations.

Imagine telling your child, “Look, a paddling of ducks!” instead of just “some ducks.” Suddenly, the experience becomes more memorable.

Regional Variations in Duck Group Names

Some areas of the U.S. or UK might favor one term over another:

• Hunters may say “brace” or “team.”
• Birders usually stick with “flock” or “raft.”
• Farmers may refer to their birds as a “bed” or “group.”

All are valid—context is key!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

So, what is a group ducks called?

The answer isn’t as simple as you thought—but that’s what makes it fun! Whether you’re watching a raft of ducks bob gently on a lake, a flock soaring across the sky, or a waddle making its way across a park path, you now have the vocabulary to describe the scene perfectly.

A group of ducks is called many things—but one thing’s for sure: they’re always a joy to watch.

Next time someone asks you what is group of ducks called, you’ll be ready—with the right term, a smile, and maybe even a little duck trivia to share.

Read Also:

• What Is a Group of Eagles Called?
• What Is a Group of Turkeys Called? The Surprising Term You’ve Never Heard Of!