What are male ducks referred to as?

Male ducks are referred to as drakes. This term specifically applies to adult male ducks, distinguishing them from females, which are commonly called hens, and from young ducks that can be termed ducklings regardless of gender. The identification of male ducks as drakes is significant in both aviculture and wildlife studies, as it helps differentiate between the sexes, which is important for breeding and understanding behavior.

Pintails refer to a specific species of duck, known for their long pointed tails, rather than a classification of gender. Dabblers describe a kind of duck that feeds primarily on the surface of the water rather than diving, which encompasses various species, but also does not denote gender. Cub is not a recognized term for ducks; it commonly refers to young animals of different species, such as bears or wolves.