Call ducks are a breed of domesticated duck kept as pets or livestock. The males and females of this breed make distinct vocalizations that serve different purposes in duck communication. Understanding the differences between male and female call duck sounds can help duck owners interpret their behavior and meet their needs.
What Does a Male Call Duck Sound Like?
Male call ducks produce a loud, shrill call that gives the breed its name. Their distinctive call is known as “piping.” This loud vocalization serves a couple of key purposes:
Attracting Females
One of the main reasons male call ducks pipe is to catch the attention of females for breeding. Their loud calls advertise their presence and availability to mate. The more females a male can attract with his call, the more chances he has to pass on his genes.
Piping serves as a duck version of flirting. If a female is interested, she may respond with soft quacks or move closer to the male while he continues to pipe repeatedly. Once a pair bond forms, piping helps the male stay in contact with his chosen mate.
Establishing Territory
The male call’s piercing notes also stake a claim on territory. Males pipe to ward off rival males from their space and signal that they are prepared to defend their domain. Competing males may answer with piping of their own until one duck backs down. A male call duck will vigorously chase intruders that don’t heed his territorial call.
Piping territorial claims serves to attract females as well, since hens are drawn to dominant males with the best space. The quality of a drake’s territory also indicates his suitability to raise healthy ducklings.
Characteristics of Male Calling
– Loud, shrill tone ranging from 1-3 kHz in frequency
– Repeated piping notes in a rhythmic pattern
– High number of notes per call (up to 30 notes)
– Calls last 1-3 seconds
– Young males begin practicing calls around 2 months old
– Peak calling age is 1-2 years old during breeding season
What Does a Female Call Duck Sound Like?
Female call ducks do not pip or make loud, shrill calls like males. However, they have their own varied vocalizations that serve important communication functions:
Responding to Males
When a receptive female hears the piping call of a desirable male, she may respond with soft quacks. This stimulates the male to keep piping and shows her interest in pairing up. If she is not interested, she will remain silent. Once the male and female bond, the female may make quiet contact calls to locate the male or stay close while nesting.
Communicating with Ducklings
Female call ducks use soft, maternal clucks and purrs to keep ducklings close by. Ducklings readily imprint on their mother’s unique vocalizations after hatching. If a duckling strays too far or gets separated from its mother, she will increase the volume and urgency of her maternal calls. This helps guide the duckling back to the safety of its mother and siblings.
Warning of Danger
Female call ducks issue loud, repetitive warning quacks if they sense a threat from predators like dogs, foxes or hawks. This alarm call tells ducklings to hide or take cover. The female may fake a broken wing to lure predators away from her vulnerable brood. Her loud quacking alerts ducklings to stay put instead of following her.
Characteristics of Female Calling
– Softer, lower-pitched vocalizations than males
– Contact calls are short, 1-2 notes
– Alarm calls are loud, repetitive quacks
– Maternal clucks are soft, higher frequency purrs
– Peak calling when raising ducklings 2-3 months old
– Less frequent calling than males overall
How Do Male and Female Call Duck Sounds Differ?
Male and female call duck vocalizations differ significantly in their purpose, sound quality and frequency:
| Trait | Male Call Duck Sounds | Female Call Duck Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Attract females, defend territory | Respond to males, communicate with ducklings |
| Volume | Loud piping | Soft quacks and purrs |
| Frequency | 1-3 kHz | Lower pitched than males |
| Notes per call | Up to 30 notes | 1-5 notes |
| Call duration | 1-3 seconds | Short contact calls |
When Do Males and Females Call?
Male call ducks are most vocal during the breeding season to attract mates. Their piping is loud and frequent from fall through early spring each year. Females vocalize the most when raising ducklings in late spring and summer. Their maternal communication calls peak to keep ducklings safe.
Interpreting Call Duck Sounds
Paying attention to the differences between male and female call duck vocalizations provides useful behavioral insights:
– Loud, repetitive piping indicates a male seeking a mate.
– If piping intensifies, a male may be defending his territory from rivals.
– When males pipe back and forth, they are likely competing for dominance.
– A soft quack from a female shows interest in a nearby male.
– Frequent soft clucks signal a female with ducklings to watch over.
– Loud, repetitive quacking means a female has spotted potential danger.
– Lack of response from a female indicates she is not ready to breed.
Understanding what the ducks are communicating with their calls allows owners to better meet their needs for breeding, security and care of ducklings. Identifying when to separate competitive males, for example, helps minimize injuries and disruption. Providing safe spaces for mothers with ducklings to raise their brood reduces losses. Supplementing the diet of actively breeding males helps support their energy needs.
Conclusion
Male and female call ducks have very distinct vocalizations suited for their differing reproductive roles. Male piping advertises territory and availability, while female calls nurture ducklings and signal danger. Recognizing the context and meaning of these duck calls allows owners to support their health and behavioral needs. With a little practice, anyone can learn the language of these highly communicative ducks. Keeping their habitat safe and meeting their needs based on their call types promotes the wellbeing of any backyard or farmyard flock.
