Domestic ducks are mainly bred and raised for eggs, down, and meat. Some are also kept for show and as pets. While there are many types of domesticated duck breeds, almost all of them originated from the Mallard.
If you want to know all about domestic duck breeds, keep on reading for our complete list.
The 15 Domestic Duck Breeds Are:
1. Abacot Ranger
Also known as the Hooded Ranger and Streicherente, the Abacot Ranger is a utility breed primarily raised for its meat and eggs. It was first developed in the early 1900s by Oscar Gray of Abacot Duck Ranch in the United Kingdom.
2. American Pekin
The American Pekin, or White Pekin, is a white domestic duck breed raised for meat. Derived from birds brought to America from China in the 1800s, the American Pekin has a large, solid body and creamy white feathers. More than half of all ducks bred for slaughter in America are Pekins.
3. Ancona Duck
Characterized by its distinctive broken-colored plumage pattern, the Ancona is a duck breed that hails from England. It was first introduced to the U.S. in the early 1970s and first shown in 1983. This medium-sized bird has a concave bill, oval-shaped head, and comes in a variety of color patterns, including black and white, blue and white, white and chocolate, and lavender and white.
4. Australian Call Duck
The Call Duck is a gorgeous white-colored bird raised as pets. A smaller-sized duck, the Call Duck was originally used in hunting to attract other birds toward the hunter’s gun.
5. Black East Indie Duck
This bantam duck breed is primarily used for ornamental purposes. The Black East Indie, also called the Buenos Airean and Brazilian, has lustrous, dark green plumage and a black bill. It typically weighs under 1 kg and is used by duck fanciers for exhibition or ornaments in ponds and yards.
6. Blue Swedish Duck
This domestic duck breed was originally developed in the former Swedish Pomerania, now northwest Poland and northwest Germany, in the 1800s. In Sweden, there are only 148 breeding birds, and in 2014 the Blue Swedish duck was listed as an “endangered-maintained” breed. The breed is characterized by its oval head, blue-slate plumage, and dark lacing around the feathers.
7. Buff Duck
Also called the Orpington, the Buff is a domestic duck breed used for egg production and meat. It can lay up to 220 eggs annually. The breed was created in the United Kingdom by William Cook. Buffs have long necks and bodies, oval heads, and seal-brown or fawn-buff plumage.
8. Campbell Duck
Developed in England in 1891, the Campbell duck breed comes from crossing Rouen, Runner, and Mallard ducks. It has khaki-colored plumage, an olive-green head, and a brown bill. The Campbell can produce up to 300 eggs per year.
9. Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga is an American domestic duck breed that comes from the Finger Lakes region of New York. Originally developed for meat, the Cayuga is now used for ornamental purposes. It has beetle-green, iridescent feathers, black bills and feet, and dark brown eyes.
10. Crested Duck
The Crested duck is named for its crested skull deformity, caused by a genetic mutation. The breed is primarily kept as pets or for decoration.
11. Dutch Hook Bill Duck
The Dutch Hook Bill is a domestic duck breed characterized by its uniquely curved bill that slopes downward. It is one of the oldest duck breeds, being documented since the 1600s. There are only about 800 egg-laying female Dutch Hooks in the world, making this an endangered breed.
12. Golden Cascade
The Golden Cascade is a breed of domestic duck that was first introduced to the market in the mid-1980s. It’s a fast-growing breed that is auto-sexing and lays eggs well. Golden Cascades have golden, buff, or fawn plumage, white underbodies, and yellow beaks.
13. Indian Runner
Indian Runners originated on the islands of Indonesia. Like penguins, they stand erect and run instead of waddle. They rarely make nests and often lay eggs wherever they happen to be. Indian Runners have gray plumage, curling tails, and long necks.
14. Muscovy Duck
This large domestic duck breed is native to Central and South America. They are a popular breed in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Muscovy ducks are typically black or white and have large red or pink wattles around the beak.
15. Silver Appleyard Duck
This British domestic duck breed is bred for meat and egg production. It was originally developed in Suffolk in the 1930s and brought to America in the 1960s. The Silver Appleyard has a deep, wide chest, a silver-colored underside, bronze tail feathers, and a yellow bill.
Domestic Ducks
Domesticated ducks come in a wide array of colors and sizes. While used mainly for meat and eggs, ducks can make great pets for bird lovers.
Featured Image Credit: D. Kell, Pixabay
