Types of Mallard Ducks
Did you know that the Mallard, also known as the wild duck, is the most common wide-ranging dabbling duck on earth?
This elegant bird prefers shallow and calm sanctuaries, but it’s abundant in freshwaters of North America, Asia, and Europe and occasionally visits Africa during the Winter season.
Furthermore, almost all domesticated ducks (except muscovy ducks) descended from the Mallard. For this reason, several distinct populations of this unique breed occur globally.
Therefore, learning about these different mallard duck types is a great way to appreciate them. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most common types of mallard breeds and their profile.
Let’s get started.
- American Pekin
The American Pekin duck, also known as the long island duck, is a large-sized and solidly built duck domesticated primarily for meat production and ornamental uses. This is due to its high feed conversion ratio and high growth rate. However, it was first bred from the Mallard in China and introduced in the United States in 1873, where it remains the most popular commercial duck breed.
They are characterized by creamy white plumage, a yellow bill, and orange toes and shanks. Their calm temperament and friendly nature make them great pets.
If you raise them from hatchlings, they adapt quickly to human surroundings. And if you decide to raise them, allow them to roam freely so they can forage for food.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
Origin: China
Average size: adult Pekins weigh approximately 7–9 lb (3–4 kg). Males weigh more compared to females.
Egg production: Approximately 150 eggs annually
Temperament: Gentle and affectionate
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 years
2. Buff or Orpington Duck
The Orpington, or Buff, is a medium-sized waterfowl and a docile multi-purpose poultry breed, originating in Orpington village, Kent, England, in the late 1800s.
William Cook, a renowned poultry breeder, created this breed by cross-breeding the Indian runner, Cayuga, Rouen, and Aylesbury ducks. His deliberate blending strategies created the Buff, white, blue, and black Orpington duck varieties.
And in 1908, the Kent duck breeder brought his Buff variety to the United States and displayed them at the Madison Square Garden Show.
The American Poultry Association (APA) recognized the Buff breed in 1914. However, its labeling by the association was quite unusual. Perhaps, it’s the only duck breed listed by color under the association.
Their friendly and gentle nature makes them easy to handle, hence making them great pets.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos Orpington
Origin: England
Average size: Mature males weigh about 6.5–8 pounds (2.9–3.6 kg), while females weigh 5–6pounds (2.3–2.7 kg)
Egg production: 150–220 annually
Temperament: Docile and active
Lifespan: Approximately 8–12 years
3. Indian Runner Duck
The Indian runner duck originated from India and is one of the most easily identifiable ducks thanks to its striking appearance.
The Indian runner is perhaps the closest bird you can get to a walking wine bottle or a penguin. They stand erect with a distinctive flat, long, straight head and slender neck, which sets on a long attenuated body giving it a tremendous upright posture.
Farmers often raise this bird for meat and egg production and exhibition.
As their name suggests, the Indian runner ducks are amazingly speedy and don’t wobble like other ducks.
You can spend hours watching these distinctively looking slender ducks as they rattle around your garden. They have pink skin and occur in different varieties, including white, black, fawn, penciled, buff, chocolate, gray, and blue.
The Indian runner has a calm demeanor, but if trapped, they panic and get nervous. Their easy handling makes them ideal for keeping as pets. And the best thing, they feed on mosquito larvae, reducing the mosquito population near your surroundings.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: India
Average size: Adult males weigh 3.5–5 pounds (1.5–2.3 kg), while females weigh 3–4 pounds (1.3–1.8 kg)
Egg production: Approximately 300 eggs annually
Temperament: Friendly and trainable
Lifespan: wild birds live for about 2 years, while domesticated ones can live for up to 10 or more years.
4. Khaki Campbell
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly and independent duck that lays eggs extensively, look no further than the khaki Campbell duck. These excellent foragers originated from England, where they were first bred by Adele Campbell in the late 1800s.
She cross-bred Mallards, runner ducks, and Rouen to create a khaki-colored duck.
This lightweight duck is a hardy forager, always looking for worms, snails, and slugs.
These beautiful ducks have boat-shaped bodies with long necks and dark or light khaki-colored wings and feathers. Their skin color ranges from slightly yellow to white, depending on what you feed them.
The independence of the Campbell ducks and their skittish features make them naturally unsociable to humans and other birds. However, their inquisitive personality makes them social with their keepers over time.
As one of the best beginner duck breeds, ensure you give them enough roaming space, and you’ll have the joy of seeing them around.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos khaki Campbell
Origin: England
Average size: Adult Khaki Campbells weigh 4–4.5 pounds (1.8–2 kg).
Egg production: 250–340 eggs annually
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, and independent
Lifespan: Approximately 8–12 years
5. Crested Duck
Originally from Great Britain, the crested duck is a medium-sized and distinctive domestic duck common in wetlands, bogs, slow-moving rivers, lakes, and seacoasts.
This majestic duck is probably one of the most unique ducks you’ll ever come across around the globe. Their skull forms differently and has a large tuft of feathers that stick out on top of their heads.
While breeding the crested ducks is difficult, they have incredible egg and meat production. However, some farmers solely breed them for looks!
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos crested
Origin: Their origin is not conclusive yet
Average size: They weigh about 6–7 pounds (2.7–3.2 kg)
Egg production: They lay about 100–130 eggs annually
Temperament: Friendly and calm
Lifespan: About 8–12 years
6. Swedish Blue
Whether you need an excellent utility duck for egg or meat production, or you’re looking for an exceptional and charming addition to your flock, the Swedish Blue will meet your needs. Originating from Pomerania, they first imported them to the United States in the late 1800s.
These hardy birds have a distinctive appearance and extraordinary foraging abilities. They lay large tinted, blue, white, green, or gray eggs annually.
Other varieties of Swedish ducks exist, including black, splashed, and silver. However, To effectively breed the authentic Swedish blue duck, you must breed blacks with splashed ducks. And while obtaining the correct Blue can be pretty challenging, if you want them for eggs, meat, or as pets, the Swedish Blue makes a perfect choice.
Scientific name: Anas Platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: Sweden
Average size: They weigh about 6.5–8 lbs(2.9 -3.6 kg)
Egg production: They lay about 120–150 eggs annually.
Temperament: Generally calm and shy
Lifespan: 8–12 years
7. Duclair Duck
Often described by some farmers as a classic manky mallard, the Duclair duck is a dual-purpose breed of the domestic duck named after Dulcair town in Normandy, France.
This friendly and non-aggressive duck breed is a type of Rouen duck breed that is similar to and bears a striking resemblance to the Swedish Blue. Infact, some people cannot tell the difference between the two.
Many discerning chefs frequently use the Duclairs in their menus, thanks to their rich, earth-tasting, and elegant flavor. The best part? This medium-sized duck breed develops quickly and reaches maturity weight in about 8–12 weeks!
The Duclairs make one of the best duck breeds to keep, especially for novice duck farmers.
Their calm personality and easy-to-tame nature make them popular among beginner duck farmers.
Scientific name: Anas Platyrhynchos
Origin: France
Average size: They weigh about 5.5–6.6 lbs(2.5–3kg)
Egg production: They lay approximately 80–100 large green-colored eggs annually
Temperament: Calm
Lifespan: 12 years
8. Call Duck
Did you know that Call ducks are the smallest domesticated ducts globally? They weigh less than a kilo and have a fascinating history of showing hunting and human companionship. Originating from the Netherlands, the Call duck is famous for its charming personality, capturing the hearts of fanciers, enthusiasts, and breeders worldwide.
As their name suggests, you can hear their high-pitched calls over a long distance.
They have other exciting characteristics, including being talkative and social around children. Young children find them pleasing because of their irresistible nature and small size. Also, call ducks give you amusing views and hours of compulsive entertainment with their inquisitive behavior.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: Netherlands
Average size: They weigh about 1.1–1.5 lbs (500–700 grams)
Egg production: About 25–75 eggs during summer
Temperament: Friendly and tame
Lifespan: 9–12 years
9. Magpie Duck
The Magpie duck is an all-around dual-purpose duck breed developed in the 20th century and originating from West Wales. While they look like small anconas, they don’t lay colored eggs and tend to be slightly more nervous than the anconas.
These eye-catching and dual-purpose ducks have striking plumage; farmers recognize them for their incredible versatility.
Their love for hunting and foraging makes them ideal for your pest-infested backyard. Many farmers love them for their sweet dispositions and prolific egg-laying ability. They have been classified as lightweight.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: United Kingdom
Average size: Weigh about 5.5 -6 lbs(2.5–2.7 kg)
Egg production: Up to 180 blue, white, or green eggs annually.
Temperament: Calm and docile
Lifespan: 8–12 years
10. Rouen Duck
Have you been to the park and spotted wild mallard ducks and longed to have your own at home? Then Rouens should be your top choice.
Rouen duck originated in France before the 19th century and is renowned as one of the largest duck breeds globally. They made their way to the United States in 1850, and in 1874, the American Poultry Association admitted them to the Standards of Perfection.
Rouens look like their mallard predecessors but are larger and brighter. Because of their large size, breeders keep them for meat production. However, some poultry farmers breed them for exhibition thanks to their docile temperament and colorful plumage.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: France
Average size: Weigh between 9–12 lbs(4.1–5.4 kg)
Egg production: Lay approximately 35–125 green-tinted, blue, or white eggs annually.
Temperament: Docile
Lifespan: 8–12 years
11. Welsh Harlequin
Originally named the honey Campbells, the Welsh Harlequin has a fascinating story that begins with it being bred by a British Royal Air Force officer, Group Captain Leslie Bonnet, towards the end of the second world war. It owes its existence to mutations of Khaki Campbell sports in 1949.
Later, in the 1950s, the Bonnet family relocated to Wales, hence the genesis of the name ‘Welsh Harlequin.’ While this unique duck is genetically identical to the Khaki Campbell, it has two recessive genes.
The Welsh Harlequin has two varieties, gold and silver. The American Poultry Association APA recognized the latter in 2001.
It is a lightweight duck breed known for its streamlined body shape, relatively long body, full abdomen, rounded chest, and slightly concave bill. While young harlequins have orange legs, the females tend to have brown legs as they mature.
These highly adaptable birds offer tasty meat, making them a dual-purpose duck breed.
Moreover, they are docile, inquisitive, excellent brooders, and foragers. Thus, the Welsh Harlequin makes the cut if you’re looking for calm domestic ducks to keep.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: United Kingdom
Average size: Weigh approximately 5–5.5 lbs(2–2.5 kgs)
Egg production: Lay between 240–330 pearly white eggs annually
Temperament: Calm, docile, and curious
Lifespan: 9–12 years
12. Silver Appleyard
If you come across the Appleyard duck breed, add them to your homestead as soon as possible. Their heavy and delightful drakes look like fancy gentlemen with dark and green-colored heads. Their females have speckles all over their bodies with pretty black spots.
Initially developed by Reginald Appleyard in the 1940s, many farmers consider the Silver Appleyard the most active forager alongside Saxony ducks. Some even claim these delightful and heavyweight ducks have the most flavourful meat.
Developed as utility birds, the farmers use the Silver Appleyard for egg and meat production. However, they are multipurpose birds also bred for exhibition, decoration, and as pets. And while they don’t belong to the most prolific egg-laying ducks, farmers consider the Silver Appleyards the best egg layers among the heavyweight duck breeds.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: United Kingdom
Average size: They weigh approximately 8–9 lbs(3.6–4.1 kg)
Egg production: Lay about 220–265 white eggs annually.
Temperament: Calm and docile
Lifespan: 4–8 years
13. Ancona Duck
The Ancona duck is a dual-purpose breed developed in Great Britain in the 20th century.
Farmers and duck enthusiasts consider it a descendant of the Belgium Huttegen duck breed and Indian runner duck. It’s similar to the Magpie duck, its closest relative, but it’s a bit stockier.
It weighs approximately 6–6.5 lbs (2.7–2.9 kg) and lays about 210–280 blue, white, or cream eggs annually. This excellent egg-laying ability, complemented by flavourful and less fatty meat, makes them popular amongst poultry farmers.
Recently, Ancomas have become incredibly popular among homesteading ducks.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: United Kingdom
Average size: Weighs approximately 6–6.5 lbs (2.7–2.9 kg)
Egg production: Lays about 210–280 blue, white, or cream eggs annually.
Temperament: Docile and calm
Lifespan: About 10 years
14. Cayuga Duck
Cayugas remains the most glamorous dark creatures of the duck world. They have rick, black plumage with slightly sparkling wing feathers. And while they look like the Pekins, they are slightly smaller and have gentle and sweet personalities.
The Cayuga is a medium-sized and quite heavy duck that gets its name from Cayuga lake. It’s a stocky breed, and it’s similar to the Aylesbury duck, and is primarily known for its brilliant beetle-green coloring.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: United States
Average size: Males weighing 6.5–8 lbs (2.9 -3.6kg ) and females weighing 6–7.5 lbs (2.7–3.4 kg)
Egg production: 100–150 eggs annually
Temperament: Docile and calm
Lifespan: 8–12 years
15. Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury is a domestic and excellent meat duck breed, originally from the United Kingdom. Developed in the 18th century from Aylesbury, this domesticated duck breed has pure white plumage and white skin-a distinct characteristic that makes it stand out.
Females Aylesbury weighs approximately 9 lbs(4.1kg) and lay about 30–125 eggs annually, while their male counterparts weigh about 10 lbs(4.5kg).
Poultry farmers globally recognize and keep this fantastic duck breed due to its high-quality meat.
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Origin: They have an unclear origin but are believed to have originated from the United Kingdom
Average size: Females Aylesbury weighs approximately 9 lbs(4.1kg) while their male counterparts weigh about 10 lbs(4.5kg).
Egg production: Lay about 30–125 eggs annually
Temperament: Docile
Lifespan: About 10 years
Conclusion
Many duck farmers build flocks of different duck types for a beautiful and unique collection of mallard ducks. After all, mallard ducks are social and friendly creatures. Are you thinking of raising domesticated ducks? If so, the Mallard ducks types discussed in this article should be your ideal breed. With such an abundance of unique and beautiful mallard duck breeds, we hope you’ll find the perfect duck breed for your homestead.
