The Call Duck is a small domestic duck breed loved for its tiny, rounded body and adorable appearance. It is much smaller than most domestic ducks and is characterized by its short bill, round head, and large-looking eyes. In the past, Call Ducks were used to assist hunters, but today they are mainly kept as ornamental birds or companion animals.

In this article, we’ll explore the Call Duck’s characteristics, personality, behavior, diet, reproduction, and important care requirements.

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What Is a Call Duck?

The Call Duck belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.

Rather than being a separate wild species, it is a small domestic duck breed that has been selectively bred by humans for many generations.

The name “Call Duck” is believed to come from its historical use in hunting. Hunters used the duck’s loud calls to attract wild ducks closer.

Adult Call Ducks typically measure:

• Body Length: Approximately 25–35 cm (10–14 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 500–900 g (1.1–2.0 lb)
• Lifespan: Around 7–10 years or more

Lifespan can vary depending on genetics, living conditions, nutrition, and overall health care.

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Characteristics of the Call Duck

1. Small and Rounded Body

The most distinctive characteristic of the Call Duck is its very small size compared with ordinary domestic ducks.

It has a short, compact, rounded body with a round head. Its relatively short bill and large-looking eyes give it an especially cute appearance.

Because of these characteristics, the Call Duck is one of the world’s most popular ornamental duck breeds.

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2. Various Feather Colors

Call Ducks come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Common colors include:

• White
• Gray
• Black
• Brown
• Blue-gray
• Pied or patterned varieties

White Call Ducks are especially popular as companion and ornamental birds because of their clean and charming appearance.

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3. Loud and Distinctive Calls

Despite its small body, the Call Duck can produce a surprisingly loud voice.

Females in particular are known for their strong and distinctive calls. Historically, this characteristic was used to attract wild ducks during hunting.

For this reason, potential owners should consider possible noise issues, especially when keeping Call Ducks in residential areas.

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Personality and Behavior

Call Ducks are generally active and social birds.

Their typical behaviors include:

• Enjoying the company of other ducks
• Loving swimming and playing in water
• Being curious about their surroundings
• Foraging and exploring
• Becoming familiar with their owners
• Flying or running away quickly when frightened

Call Ducks that are regularly handled and socialized from a young age may become comfortable around people. Some may follow their owners or approach them for food.

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Diet

Call Ducks are omnivores.

When kept in captivity, a nutritionally balanced commercial duck feed should form the foundation of their diet.

Common foods include:

• Commercial duck feed
• Grains
• Leafy vegetables
• Aquatic plants
• Insects
• Small invertebrates

Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Ducks frequently use water while eating to clean their bills and mouths, so they should have access to water deep enough to fully submerge their bills.

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Housing and Environment

Although Call Ducks are small, they are active animals and require adequate space to move around.

A suitable environment should provide:

• Enough space for walking and exploring
• Fresh drinking water
• A container or small pond for bathing and swimming
• Shelter from rain and strong sunlight
• A secure enclosure for protection from predators at night

Call Ducks love water, but they can quickly make it dirty. Their water containers and surrounding areas therefore require regular cleaning.

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Reproduction and Ducklings

Call Ducks reproduce by laying eggs.

Females may lay multiple eggs during the breeding season and may incubate them naturally. Some breeders also use artificial incubators.

Young ducklings cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so appropriate warmth is particularly important during the early stages of life.

They should also be kept on surfaces that provide good traction because excessively slippery flooring can contribute to leg problems.

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Relationship with Humans

Historically, Call Ducks were mainly used as decoy ducks for hunting, with their loud calls attracting wild ducks.

Today, however, they are primarily kept as ornamental birds and companion animals because of their distinctive and adorable appearance.

When properly socialized, Call Ducks can recognize familiar people and may willingly approach their owners.

However, ducks have very different needs from dogs and cats. They produce frequent droppings, use large amounts of water, and can be noisy. Anyone considering keeping Call Ducks should therefore prepare appropriate space and a practical cleaning routine.

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Why Are Call Ducks So Popular?

Call Ducks are loved for many reasons, including their:

• Small and rounded appearance
• Short bills and large-looking eyes
• Active and curious personality
• Wide variety of beautiful feather colors
• Social nature and ability to become familiar with humans
• Much smaller size compared with ordinary domestic ducks

Their waddling walk and playful swimming behavior also contribute to their unique charm.

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The Call Duck is a small domestic duck breed famous for its compact body, round face, and short bill. Although it was historically used to attract wild ducks during hunting, it is now widely kept as an ornamental bird and companion animal.

Despite its adorable appearance, the Call Duck is an active and social animal that requires clean water, balanced nutrition, adequate space, secure housing, and consistent hygiene management.

With a proper understanding of its natural behavior and care requirements, the Call Duck can be a fascinating and charming companion for many years.