Are you searching for different types of duck breeds? If yes, you are in the right place. Like most other domestic poultry species, the ducks have many breeds. And most of the duck breeds are derived from the wild Mallard ducks. And a few number of birds are descendants of the Muscovy Duck.
Birds are very beautiful creation of nature. And they are also very beautiful birds. There are actually many domestic duck breeds available around the world.
Among those duck breeds some are popular for meat production, some are famous for eggs production, some are good for exhibition purposes, some are raised as ornamental birds and some ducks are raised as pets.
Different Duck Breeds
Ducks are classified into four groups; Bantam, Light, Medium and Heavy Weight. Domestic ducks are kept for specific purposes. Some ducks are good for meat, some are good for eggs.
Even there are some duck breeds available which are good both purposes. Those ducks are called dual purpose ducks. Some ducks are suitable for eggs, meat, show and pets.
Ducks are known for their adorable appearance, quacking sound, and excellent egg-laying capabilities. While all ducks share some basic characteristics, such as webbed feet, a broad flat beak, and a waterproof body, there are actually many different breeds of ducks, each with its unique characteristics and traits.
There are actually many different duck breeds available throughout the world, each with its unique characteristics and traits. Whether you are looking for a duck breed for commercial purposes or a backyard flock, there is a duck breed that will meet your needs.
From the popular Pekin and Rouen ducks to the unique Muscovy and Indian Runner ducks, each breed has something special to offer. No matter which breed you choose, you are sure to enjoy the adorable appearance, quacking sound, and excellent egg-laying capabilities that these domesticated birds have to offer.
Here we are shortly describing about some popular duck breeds.
Pekin Duck
Pekin ducks are one of the most common duck breeds in the United States. These ducks are large, white, and have orange beaks and feet. They are known for their excellent meat and egg production and are often raised for commercial purposes.
Pekin ducks are also known for being docile and friendly, which makes them a popular choice for backyard flocks. They are excellent foragers and can be allowed to free-range or kept in a coop.
Rouen Duck
The Rouen duck is another popular breed in the United States. These ducks are large and muscular, with a distinctive green head and blue-grey plumage.
Rouen ducks are known for their excellent meat quality and their ability to produce large, flavorful eggs. They are also a popular breed for exhibition, as they have a stunning appearance and a calm temperament.
Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy duck is a unique breed that is native to Central and South America. They are larger than most other domesticated duck breeds, with a distinctive red, warty face and a long, slender body.
Muscovy ducks are known for their excellent meat quality and are often raised for commercial purposes. They are also popular for their ability to control insect populations and their calm demeanor, which makes them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell duck is a popular breed that originated in England. They are a medium-sized duck, with a khaki-colored plumage and a distinctive green bill.
Khaki Campbell ducks are known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities, producing up to 300 eggs per year. They are also a hardy breed that can tolerate colder climates, making them a popular choice for farmers in northern regions.
Indian Runner Duck
The Indian Runner duck is a unique breed that originated in Southeast Asia. They are a slender, upright breed with a distinctive appearance, which earned them the nickname “penguin duck.”
Indian Runner ducks are known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities, producing up to 300 eggs per year. They are also popular for their ability to control insect populations and their calm demeanor, which makes them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Call Duck
The Call duck is a small, domesticated duck breed that originated in the Netherlands. They are a popular breed for exhibition due to their small size and adorable appearance.
Call ducks are known for their distinctive, high-pitched quack, which sounds like a whistle. They are also a popular choice for backyard flocks, as they are easy to care for and do not require much space.
Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga duck is a unique breed that is native to the United States. They are a medium-sized duck with a distinctive black plumage that has a greenish sheen in the sunlight.
Cayuga ducks are known for their excellent meat quality and their ability to produce large, flavorful eggs. They are also a popular breed for exhibition, as their stunning appearance makes them stand out from the crowd.
Swedish Blue Duck
The Swedish Blue duck is a medium-sized breed that originated in Sweden. They have a distinctive blue-grey plumage and a friendly, docile temperament.
Swedish Blue ducks are known for their excellent meat quality and their ability to lay large, white eggs. They are also a hardy breed that can tolerate colder climates, making them a popular choice for farmers in northern regions.
Welsh Harlequin Duck
The Welsh Harlequin duck is a relatively new breed that was developed in Wales in the 1940s. They are a medium-sized duck with a distinctive harlequin-like plumage, which consists of a combination of white, silver, and blue-gray feathers.
Welsh Harlequin ducks are known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities, producing up to 280 eggs per year. They are also a hardy breed that can tolerate colder climates, making them a popular choice for farmers in northern regions.
Mallard Duck
The Mallard duck is a wild duck species that is found all over the world. They are a medium-sized duck with a distinctive green head and brownish plumage.
Mallard ducks are known for their excellent meat quality and their ability to lay large, flavorful eggs. They are also a popular breed for hunting, as they are a migratory species that can be found in many different regions.
Crested Duck
The Crested duck is a unique breed that is known for its distinctive crest of feathers on its head. They are a medium-sized duck with a variety of different plumage colors, including white, black, blue, and buff.
Crested ducks are known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities, producing up to 180 eggs per year. They are also a popular breed for exhibition, as their distinctive appearance makes them stand out from the crowd.
Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury duck is a large, white duck breed that originated in England. They are known for their excellent meat quality and their ability to lay large, flavorful eggs.
Aylesbury ducks are also a popular choice for exhibition, as their large size and stunning appearance make them stand out from the crowd. They are also a hardy breed that can tolerate colder climates, making them a popular choice for farmers in northern regions.
However, here we have listed some common domestic duck breeds which are popular for specific purposes.
| Name | Purpose | Origin |
| Aylesbury | Meat, Show, Pets | United Kingdom |
| Pekin | Dual | China |
| Muscovy | Meat | America |
| Rouen | General | France |
| Cayuga | Eggs, Meat, Ornamental | United States |
| Duclair | Dual | France |
| Golden Cascade | Dual | United States |
| Pomeranian | Dual | Germany |
| Swedish Blue | General | Sweden |
| Saxony | Dual | Germany |
| Silver Appleyard | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Abacot Ranger | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Alabio | General | Indonesia |
| Ancona | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Bali | Dual, Exhibition | Bali |
| Crested | Dual, Exhibition | Asia |
| Elizabeth | Meat | Australia |
| Hook Bill | Exhibition | Netherlands |
| Indian Runner | Eggs | East Indies |
| Khaki Campbell | Eggs | United Kingdom |
| Magpie | Exhibition, Meat | United Kingdom |
| Mallard | Many | Wild |
| Orpington | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Shetland | Eggs | Scotland |
| Welsh Harlequin | Eggs | United Kingdom |
| Australian Spotted | Exhibition, Pets | United States |
| Call | Exhibition, Pets | Probably Asia |
| East Indian | Ornamental | United States |
Besides this duck breeds, there are also some other breeds available around the world. Ducks were first domesticated in Asia. But now there are many different kinds of duck breed developed for all different climates and applications.
These breeds are being raised throughout the world. Some of this breeds are very suitable for commercial duck farming business. And some ducks are raised simply for their beauty or as pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ducks are very beautiful and amazing birds. And there are numerous domestic duck breeds available throughout the world. Some of these ducks are good for meat production, some are good for eggs production. And some breeds are good for both meat and eggs production purpose. And raising these ducks is very profitable, and popularity of commercial duck farming business is increasing gradually. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions about these duck breeds and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is the most common breed of duck?
The American Pekin also known as White Pekin is the most common and popular breed of duck.
What are the different types of ducks?
Different types of ducks include Mallard, Canvasback, Marbled, Domestic, Fulvous Whistling, Black-Belli Whistling duck etc.
What is the friendliest duck breed?
Some friendliest breed of duck include Pekin, Mallard, Cayuga, Muscovy, Indian Runner, Rouen, Khaki Campbell, Call ducks etc.
Which duck breeds cannot fly?
Indian Runner ducks. These ducks are lightweight, and stand upright like skinny little penguins. But they cannot fly.
What duck breeds can fly?
Muscovies, Calls, East Indies and domesticated Mallards can all fly to some extent.
Why is duck not popular in the US?
One of the biggest reasons for this is that it is not possible to raise ducks with the same large-scale agricultural practices that are used to produce chicken and turkey.
What kind of duck do you eat in restaurants?
Mostly Pekin ducks in the American restaurant.
Can ducks mix breed?
Different breeds and varieties of common ducks can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
What is a female duck called?
A female duck is simply called a ‘duck‘. But also called as ‘hen‘.
What is a male duck called?
A male duck is called ‘drake‘.
What is a small baby duck called?
A baby duck is called ‘duckling‘.
What is a group of ducks called?
A group of ducks is called raft, team, paddling, badling etc.
How many duck breeds are there?
There are numerous duck breeds available throughout the world. But not all of them are profitable for commercial duck farming business. We have listed the top duck breeds above.
What duck makes the best pet?
The best duck which makes best pet include Pekin, Khaki Campbell, Cayuga, Rouen, Welsh Harlequin, Swedish, Mallard, Indian Runner etc.
What is the easiest duck to raise?
The Pekin is the easiest breed of duck to raise. It is a meat duck breed.
What duck lays the most eggs?
Khaki Campbell ducks. They are considered as the best ducks for eggs production. On an average, a Khaki Campbell duck lay as many as 340 eggs per year.
What breed of duck is black?
Cayuga Black ducks are black in coloration.
Can you keep different breeds of duck together?
YES, it is possible to keep many breeds of duck together.
Why is duck meat not popular as chicken?
Duck meat is less popular, because it is dark meat and a little greasy. Most of the people love a nice, juicy, white chicken breast.
Which country eats the most duck?
China. China alone consume around or up to 5.5M tonnes per year, which is around 76% of total consumption.
Is duck meat healthy to eat?
YES, duck meat is an excellent source of protein.
What breed of duck stays small?
The bantam ducks generally stay small.
How long do ducks live as pets?
Average lifespan of a pet duck is 10 to 15 years. Although, it can vary depending on breeds.
What is the fastest growing breed of duck?
Pekins are the fastest growing domestic ducks. They are raised mainly for meat.
What country is famous for duck?
China is famous for duck. They raise and consume most of the ducks.
What breed of duck tastes the best?
Pekin. Pekin duck is the most popular duck to eat, and it tastes great.
What type of duck is Daffy duck?
American black is a daffy duck.
What is the best backyard duck?
Pekin duck. Pekins are the most popular and common backyard duck breed.
What kind of duck is Donald and Daisy?
American Pekin Duck.
What kind of ducks are farm ducks?
The most common breeds of duck which are raised in commercial farms are Pekin, Khaki Cambell, Cayuga, Indian Runner Rouen etc.
