Why are they called call ducks?

Why Are They Called Call Ducks?

The name “Call Duck” isn’t just a cute nickname—it has deep roots in hunting tradition. These tiny ducks, weighing less than a kilogram, are the smallest of all domestic duck breeds. Their size made them easy to transport, which was essential for their original purpose: luring wild ducks.

In the marshy wetlands of the UK’s Fenlands and across Holland, hunters once used elaborate trapping systems called “decoys” to catch wild Mallards. These weren’t fake birds, but intricate networks of channels and nets hidden beneath natural reeds. To draw wild flocks within reach, hunters relied on live decoys—specifically, Call Ducks.

Call Ducks are naturally vocal, with loud, high-pitched quacks that carry well over water. Farmers and trappers selectively bred them for this trait, enhancing their ability to mimic the calls of wild ducks. Positioned near the traps, these little birds would quack persistently, sounding like a welcoming committee to passing flocks. Unaware of the danger, wild Mallards would circle down, drawn by the familiar sounds of what they thought was a safe, social group.

Over time, the breed became known not for its size or plumage, but for its voice—earning the name “Call Duck” as a direct reflection of its role. While they’re mostly kept today as charming ornamental or show birds, their history as living lures is still embedded in their name.

So, the next time you hear a Call Duck’s distinctive quack, remember: it’s not just talking. It’s calling the flock home—just as it’s been bred to do for centuries.