7 Shocking Facts About The Drake: What Is A Male Duck Called, And Why Do They Change Color?

The answer to "what is a male duck called" is simple: a drake. However, the life of a drake is anything but simple. Far from the placid birds seen gliding across a pond, the adult male duck is a creature of extreme seasonal transformation, equipped with unique anatomy and a surprisingly aggressive social life that only emerges after a deep dive into ornithology.

As of late 2025, the term "drake" remains the universal and correct name for an adult male duck, whether the species is wild or domestic. The female is known as a "hen" or simply a "duck," and their offspring are "ducklings." The real fascination lies not in the name itself, but in the dramatic biological and behavioral differences that set the drake apart from his female counterpart, especially during the crucial breeding season.

The Complete Drake Biography: Terminology and Life Stages

The terminology surrounding the male duck is rich and rooted in Old English. Understanding these terms is the foundation for appreciating the drake's role in the ecosystem.

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• Common Name: Drake
• Female Counterpart: Hen or Duck
• Young: Duckling
• Life Stage: Adult Male (sexually mature)
• Plumage Stages: Nuptial Plumage (breeding colors) and Eclipse Plumage (camouflaged)
• Distinguishing Feature: The "drake feather," a distinctive curled feather on the tail, particularly common in Mallard-derived breeds.
• Anatomy: Possesses a syringeal bulla (a bony capsule in the vocal organ) and a reproductive organ that grows and shrinks seasonally.
• Vocalization: Generally a quieter croak, hiss, or whistle, as opposed to the loud, familiar quack of the hen.
• Group Term: A group of ducks, regardless of sex, is called a raft, a team, or a paddling.

The Great Disguise: Understanding the Drake's Eclipse Plumage

The most visually stunning and curious fact about the drake is its temporary transformation into a bird that looks almost exactly like a female. This phenomenon is known as the eclipse plumage, a vital survival mechanism.

Why the Drake Changes Color

Ducks are a sexually dimorphic species, meaning the male and female look very different. The male Mallard drake, for example, is famous for his iridescent green head, yellow bill, and white collar—a dazzling display known as his nuptial plumage that attracts a mate.

However, after the breeding season concludes, typically around late spring or early summer, the drake undergoes a complete molt. This process replaces all his worn feathers at once, including his flight feathers, rendering him temporarily flightless.

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To survive this vulnerable, flightless period, the drake sheds his bright colors and grows dull, brownish, cryptic feathers that mimic the female's camouflage. This is the eclipse plumage, which provides essential protection from predators like foxes and raptors while he regrows his flight feathers.

The eclipse phase peaks in July and August. By early autumn, the drake begins to molt again, slowly regaining his vibrant, recognizable breeding colors in preparation for the next mating season. This cycle is a remarkable testament to evolutionary adaptation.

The Hidden Anatomy and Aggressive Behavior of Drakes

Beyond the feathers, the drake possesses unique anatomical features and engages in behaviors that are often surprising to the casual observer, adding layers to the male duck's complex life.

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The Syringeal Bulla: Why Drakes Don't Quack

The loud, familiar "quack" is almost exclusively the domain of the female duck (the hen). The drake's vocalizations are distinctly different, often described as a softer, lower-pitched croak, a whistle, or a hiss.

This difference is due to a unique anatomical feature in male waterfowl called the syringeal bulla. This is a bony, bulbous expansion of the syrinx (the bird's vocal organ, equivalent to a larynx) found only in drakes and male swans (cobs). The syringeal bulla acts as a resonator, modifying the sound produced and giving the drake his characteristic muted, raspy voice.

Seasonal Changes and Overmating

The reproductive anatomy of a drake is also highly seasonal. The male duck's reproductive organ dramatically enlarges in preparation for the breeding season and then shrinks back down once mating is complete. This is a common adaptation in waterfowl.

During the spring breeding season, drakes can exhibit aggressive and sometimes violent behavior. While some species, like the Mallard, are considered serially monogamous for a season, a male-biased sex ratio often leaves many drakes unpaired. This competition can lead to intense rivalry and, controversially, aggressive mating attempts on hens—a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "overmating."

Prominent Drakes: Mallards, Wood Ducks, and More

While the term "drake" applies to all male ducks, their appearance and behaviors vary significantly across species.

• Mallard Drake: The most recognizable drake globally, defined by his signature green head, white neck ring, chestnut chest, and yellow bill. His courtship rituals often involve a head-bobbing display.
• Wood Duck Drake: Considered one of the most beautiful North American waterfowl. The Wood Duck drake is smaller than the Mallard and is one of the few duck species with strong claws, enabling it to perch in trees. Its head has a distinctive crested, iridescent green and purple pattern.
• Diving Duck Drakes: Species like the Canvasback or Redhead drakes are known as "diving ducks" because they dive completely underwater to forage, using their feet for propulsion. This contrasts with "dabbling ducks" (like the Mallard), which only tip their bodies to feed.

In conclusion, the simple question, "what is a male duck called," opens the door to a complex world of avian biology. The drake is a masterpiece of seasonal adaptation, from his vibrant, temporary plumage to his unique vocal anatomy and aggressive drive. He is a creature defined by his dramatic yearly cycle, making him one of the most fascinating birds in the wetland ecosystem.