What Does It Mean When a Duck Wags Their Tail?

PDF download Download Article
Do happy ducks shake their tail? We've got all the facts you want to know
PDF download Download Article

Is there anything cuter than a duck wagging their tail? Turns out, ducks have good reasons for shaking a tail feather. Your feathered friend is using their tail to communicate with you. Ducks wag their tails for multiple reasons, and we’re here to help you interpret what they're saying. Plus, we'll share a few fun facts about duck behavior.

Things You Should Know

  • Your pet duck is probably wagging their tail because they're happy.
  • Ducks commonly shake their tails to shed water.
  • A wild duck is probably wiggling their tail because they're stressed.
  • Male ducks wag their tails during their mating ritual.
Section 1 of 4:

Reasons Why Ducks Wag Their Tails

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pet ducks are a lot like dogs when it comes to body language. They often wiggle their tail when they’re excited or in a good mood. They might give you a wag when they see you coming toward them, and they’ll probably shake their tail a lot when they see food. [1]
    • Your duck might also quack at you as they waggle their tail.
    • When you’re feeding ducks, you can be sure they’re shaking their tail feather out of pure happiness.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even though duck feathers are waterproof, it’s pretty common for water beads to stay on their feathers when they leave the water. When this happens, the duck will shake their tail to fling off the beads of water. [2] If you see a duck wagging their tail right after a swim, they're probably trying to dry off.
    • Similarly, your duck might shake off the water after it rains.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the wild, ducks encounter some big stressors, like predators. After going through an anxious situation, the duck may shake their tail to help them release the excess energy. It’s just a way for them to calm down after a stressful moment. [3]
    • If you see a wild duck shaking their tail, it's much more likely that the duck is stressed rather than happy. That is, unless you’re carrying some food.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ducks typically have short legs and a chubby body, so they don’t have great balance. Because of this, they waddle when they walk. Sometimes, ducks wiggle their tail when they walk to help them stay balanced so they don’t fall over. [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Male ducks typically wiggle their tails as part of their courtship rituals. They’ll also stretch out their neck, wag their head, and stick out their breast. Additionally, the ducks will flap their wings to impress the lady ducks. When they see a female they like, the male will whistle and spray water at her. [5]
    • In some cases, you may see multiple male ducks circling the female ducks.
    • Occasionally, female ducks will also waggle their tail when they’re trying to attract a mate. However, it’s much more common in male ducks. [6]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your duck is shivering or just shaking their tail. If it’s shivering, your duck may be cold. [7] If it’s chilly outside, that could be your explanation.
    • In some cases, shivering is actually caused by an illness, so take your duck to the vet if they continue to shiver or if it’s not cold out.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although their feathers are waterproof, ducks can get an illness called wet feather. This happens when the duck’s preen gland no longer makes enough oil to coat their feathers. [8] When a duck has wet feather, they may shake their tail more often to try to get dry. If you suspect your duck has wet feather, take your duck to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment. [9]
    • Your duck could be shivering because of a viral or fungal infection. Common duck illnesses include pneumonia, duck viral hepatitis, and Newcastle disease.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Do all ducks wag their tails?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While ducks have different reasons to wag their tails, they all do it. Wild ducks are more likely to shake their tail because they’re stressed or shedding water. Domesticated ducks may also show happiness and excitement when they see you. Tail wagging is just part of a duck’s life. [10]
Section 3 of 4:

How can you tell if a duck is happy?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It'll look like your duck is nodding their head, “Yes.” Additionally, their quack will sound upbeat, typically in a “quack-quack, quack-quack” cadence. A happy duck might also shake their tail while they’re doing this. [11]
    • You can take this as a sign that your duck is absolutely delighted.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

How can you tell if a duck is upset?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When a duck gets mad, they’ll extend their neck and run toward you at full speed. [12] If you want to avoid conflict, simply run away from the duck. However, keep in mind that the duck may continue to get aggressive with you every time you come around.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-Ducks-Wag-Their-Tails-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your bird may at first stop laying as many eggs as usual. If the stressor continues, they’ll lay around and may even become lame over time. Additionally, your stressed duck may not want to eat and could throw up any food they do consume. [13]
    • Common stressors for ducks include a new duck, changing seasons, illness, or parasites.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Identify a Male or Female Duck using Appearance and Behavior
      How to
      Tell the Sex of a Baby Duck
      How to
      Tell if Duck Eggs Are Dead or Alive
      How to Train Pet Ducks
      How to
      Take Care of Ducklings
      How to
      Catch a Duck
      How to
      Feed Wild Baby Ducks
      How to
      Hatch a Mallard Duck Egg
      How to
      Treat Botulism in a Duck
      How to
      Raise Call Ducks
      How to Breed Ducks
      How To Keep Ducks Safe In Cold Weather
      How to
      Raise Ducks
      How to
      Take Care of Ducks
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.chickensandmore.com/muscovy-duck/
      2. ↑ https://www.epicnaturalhealth.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      3. ↑ https://freedomofanimals.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      4. ↑ https://purrfectnpawesome.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      5. ↑ https://web.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/Duck_Displays.html
      6. ↑ https://freedomofanimals.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      7. ↑ https://farmhouseguide.com/reasons-for-ducks-to-shake-both-good-and-bad/
      8. ↑ https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/wet-feather/
      9. ↑ https://farmhouseguide.com/reasons-for-ducks-to-shake-both-good-and-bad/
      1. ↑ https://freedomofanimals.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      2. ↑ https://freedomofanimals.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      3. ↑ https://freedomofanimals.com/why-do-ducks-wag-their-tails/
      4. ↑ http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/mmissue74.htm

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 17,900 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement