Goose vs. Duck: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Geese are larger waterfowl with longer necks and migrate in V-formations; ducks are smaller, with shorter necks, known for their quacking.
Key Differences
Goose refers to a larger bird in the waterfowl family, known for its long neck and larger size. Duck is a smaller waterfowl species, recognizable by its shorter neck and varied plumage patterns.
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Nov 19, 2023
In terms of behavior, geese are often seen in large groups and are known for their migratory patterns, flying in a V-formation. Ducks, while also social, are more diverse in habitat, ranging from freshwater to marine environments.
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When it comes to vocalization, geese are known for their honking sound, especially during migration. Ducks are famous for their distinctive quack, though only female ducks typically quack.
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Geese usually mate for life and are protective of their partners and offspring. Ducks also show strong parental instincts but have more varied mating behaviors.
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The diet of a goose mainly consists of grasses, seeds, and roots, reflecting their grazing habits. Ducks have a more varied diet, including aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
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Comparison Chart
Diet
Grasses, seeds, roots (grazers)
Aquatic plants, insects, small fish (diverse)
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Goose and Duck Definitions
Goose
Known for their migratory behavior in V-shaped formations.
We watched the geese migrate south in a striking V-formation.
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Duck
Exhibits diverse mating and nesting behaviors.
The female duck was carefully tending to her nest in the reeds.
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Goose
Typically graze on grasses and seeds.
The flock of geese was busy grazing in the meadow.
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Duck
Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet.
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Goose
A large waterfowl with a long neck and webbed feet.
The goose gracefully glided across the lake.
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Goose
Recognizable by their loud honking.
The sound of honking geese signaled the arrival of spring.
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Goose
Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, and especially of the genera Anser, Branta, and Chen, characteristically having a shorter neck than that of a swan and a shorter, more pointed bill than that of a duck.
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Duck
A similar vehicle used for civilian purposes, as to evacuate flood victims or for sightseeing tours. In both senses also called DUKW.
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Goose
To give a spurt of fuel to (a car, for example); cause to accelerate quickly
"The pilot goosed his craft, powering away" (Nicholas Proffitt).
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Duck
To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something
Ducked his head as the ball came toward him.
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Goose
Any of various grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae, which have feathers and webbed feet and are capable of flying, swimming, and walking on land, and which are bigger than ducks.
There is a flock of geese on the pond.
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Duck
In bridge, to deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card).
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Goose
(archaic) A tailor's iron, heated in live coals or embers, used to press fabrics.
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Duck
To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen
Ducked behind a bush.
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Goose
An old English board game in which players moved counters along a board, earning a double move when they reached the picture of a goose.
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Duck
To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out
Duck out on one's family.
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Duck
In bridge, to lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent.
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Duck
(intransitive) To quickly lower the head or body, often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Duck! There's a branch falling off the tree!
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Goose
To gently accelerate (an automobile or machine), or give repeated small taps on the accelerator.
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Duck
(transitive) To quickly lower (the head or body), often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
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Goose
(UK slang) Of private-hire taxi drivers, to pick up a passenger who has not booked a cab. This is unauthorised under UK licensing conditions.
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Duck
(transitive) To lower (something) into water; to thrust or plunge under liquid and suddenly withdraw.
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Duck
(intransitive) To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to plunge one's head into water or other liquid.
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Goose
Any large web-footen bird of the subfamily Anserinæ, and belonging to Anser, Branta, Chen, and several allied genera. See Anseres.
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Goose
Any large bird of other related families, resembling the common goose.
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Goose
A tailor's smoothing iron, so called from its handle, which resembles the neck of a goose.
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Duck
(transitive) To lower the volume of (a sound) so that other sounds in the mix can be heard more clearly.
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Duck
(intransitive) To enter a place for a short moment.
I'm just going to duck into the loo for a minute, can you hold my bag?
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Goose
A game played with counters on a board divided into compartments, in some of which a goose was depicted.
The pictures placed for ornament and use,The twelve good rules, the royal game of goose.
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Goose
Web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
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Duck
An aquatic bird of the family Anatidae, having a flat bill and webbed feet.
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Duck
Specifically, an adult female duck; contrasted with drake and with duckling.
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Goose
Often mate for life, showing strong pair bonds.
The pair of geese remained close to each other throughout the year.
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Duck
(cricket) A batsman's score of zero after getting out. (short for duck's egg, since the digit "0" is round like an egg.)
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Duck
A building intentionally constructed in the shape of an everyday object to which it is related.
A luncheonette in the shape of a coffee cup is particularly conspicuous, as is intended of an architectural duck or folly.
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Duck
A marble to be shot at with another marble (the shooter) in children's games.
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Duck
One of the weights used to hold a spline in place for the purpose of drawing a curve.
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Duck
(Midlands) Dear, mate (informal way of addressing a friend or stranger).
Ay up duck, ow'a'tha?
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Duck
A linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric, finer and lighter than canvas, - used for the lighter sails of vessels, the sacking of beds, and sometimes for men's clothing.
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Duck
A sudden inclination of the bead or dropping of the person, resembling the motion of a duck in water.
Here be, without duck or nod,Other trippings to be trod.
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Duck
To thrust or plunge under water or other liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Adams, after ducking the squire twice or thrice, leaped out of the tub.
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Duck
To plunge the head of under water, immediately withdrawing it; as, duck the boy.
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Duck
To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to dive; to plunge the head in water or other liquid; to dip.
In Tiber ducking thrice by break of day.
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Duck
To drop the head or person suddenly; to bow.
The learned pateDucks to the golden fool.
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Duck
Small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
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Duck
To move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away;
Before he could duck, another stone struck him
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Duck
Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues);
He dodged the issue
She skirted the problem
They tend to evade their responsibilities
He evaded the questions skillfully
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Duck
A smaller waterfowl with a distinctive quack.
The sound of ducks quacking filled the air at the pond.
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Duck
Known for their colorful and varied plumage.
The male duck's vibrant plumage attracted attention.
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Duck
Adapt to various aquatic environments, from freshwater to marine.
We spotted several ducks diving in the coastal waters.
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Duck
Omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, and small fish.
The ducks foraged for food along the lake's edge.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a goose?
A goose is a large waterfowl with a long neck, known for its migratory habits.
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Nov 19, 2023
What is a duck?
A duck is a smaller waterfowl, recognized for its quacking and diverse plumage.
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How do ducks communicate?
Ducks communicate through various sounds, the most famous being the quack.
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What habitats do ducks prefer?
Ducks adapt to a range of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
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Do geese mate for life?
Many geese species mate for life and are very loyal to their partners.
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What are the main differences in plumage between geese and ducks?
Geese generally have more uniform plumage, while ducks often have colorful and varied patterns.
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Do all geese migrate?
Most geese species are migratory, though some may reside in the same area year-round.
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Are ducks good swimmers?
Yes, ducks are excellent swimmers and often seen in aquatic habitats.
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Do ducks migrate like geese?
Some duck species migrate, but their patterns can be less consistent than geese.
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Can geese fly long distances?
Yes, geese are known for their long-distance migratory flights.
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What is the lifespan of a goose?
Geese can live up to 10-25 years, depending on the species and environment.
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What role do geese play in the ecosystem?
Geese play a significant role in their ecosystems, helping to control vegetation and serving as prey for larger predators.
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What do ducks eat?
Ducks are omnivorous, eating plants, insects, and small fish.
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Do geese have a specific diet?
Geese primarily eat grasses, seeds, and roots, reflecting their grazing habits.
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Are all ducks able to quack?
Not all ducks quack; male ducks are often quieter, and some species have different calls.
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Do ducks have many predators?
Ducks face several predators, including foxes, birds of prey, and humans.
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Are geese aggressive?
Geese can be protective and sometimes aggressive, especially during nesting season.
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What is the social structure of ducks?
Ducks can be very social, often found in groups, especially during migration.
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Can geese swim?
Yes, geese are good swimmers, though they spend more time grazing on land.
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How do geese protect their young?
Geese are very protective, often aggressively defending their goslings from threats.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
