What Is a Group of Ducklings Called? It's Surprisingly Moody

A group of ducks this small should be illegal for being so dang cute. Irine and Andrew / Shutterstock

When you see a line of baby ducks waddling behind their mother, it’s more than just adorable. It’s a structured group with its own name!

So, what is a group of ducklings called? Let’s explore this charming slice of nature through the lens of duck behavior and collective nouns.

Contents

A Group of Ducklings Is Called a Brood
Other Collective Nouns for Ducks
Duck Behavior and Social Structure
Fun Facts and Famous Ducklings
Why Collective Nouns Matter

A Group of Ducklings Is Called a Brood

The most common term for a group of ducklings is a "brood." This collective noun refers specifically to baby ducks that are being raised together, usually under the care of a mother duck.

During the breeding season, female ducks lay eggs in nests near water sources like ponds or lakes. Once the ducklings hatch, they stick close to their mother, forming a brood for warmth, protection, and guidance.

The brood travels on land in tight lines, and when on water, the group is called a "paddling" or a "raft." These social birds rely heavily on their mother for survival in their early weeks, making them especially vulnerable to predators.

Other Collective Nouns for Ducks

Ducks are known for forming large groups, especially during migration and feeding. Depending on where and how they gather, the collective noun changes:

A brace of ducks: a pair of ducks
A raft or paddling: ducks swimming together on water
A team or flock: ducks flying overhead, often in a V-shaped formation
A waddling or flock: ducks walking on land

In flight, ducks often use V-shaped formations to conserve energy. These flying ducks may be referred to as a flock, especially during long migratory trips.

Duck Behavior and Social Structure

Ducks are highly social birds. Mallard ducks, for example, often form pairs during the breeding season and later gather in large flocks. Male ducks, or drakes, usually leave after the eggs are laid, leaving the female duck to raise the young.

The mother duck leads her ducklings from nest to water, teaching them to feed, avoid predators, and stay close. Webbed feet help ducklings navigate both land and water efficiently.

Fun Facts and Famous Ducklings

Pop culture has given us memorable baby ducks too. Think of Donald Duck's nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie—a classic trio often seen in their own little brood.

In nature, ducklings are often seen in parks, lakes, and ponds during spring and summer. Watching a brood cross a road or swim across a lake is a favorite pastime for nature lovers.

Why Collective Nouns Matter

In the animal kingdom, collective nouns like brood, raft, and flock help us describe groups with precision. Whether we’re observing ducks walking, swimming, or flying, these terms enrich our language and our appreciation for wildlife.

So next time you see a group of ducklings trailing behind their mother, you’ll know you’re witnessing a brood in action—a perfectly named team of babies learning the ropes of duck life.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.