The mallard duck is one of the most common and recognizable duck species. Known for its bright green head and curving blue wing feathers, the mallard is the wild ancestor of many domestic duck breeds. Domestic ducks that share ancestry and physical similarities with mallards include common breeds like the Pekin, Rouen, and Swedish duck. Understanding the relation between wild mallards and domestic ducks provides insight into how duck breeds have been developed over time.
Characteristics of Mallard Ducks
Mallards are a medium to large dabbling duck species widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Here are some key identifying features of mallards:
- Both male and female mallards have grayish bodies, though the male’s plumage is more colorful
- Males have a bright iridescent green head, white neck ring, brown breast, and curving blue wing feathers
- Females are mottled brown with orange and brown bills
- Mallards have a blue wing speculum – a patch of brightly colored secondary wing feathers
- Their bills are yellow or orange with black coloring
- Mallards are a medium-sized duck – around 23 inches long with a wingspan up to 32 inches
- Males typically weigh 2.8-3.2 lbs while females are slightly smaller at 1.9-2.7 lbs
In the wild, mallards live in wetland areas and marshes, feeding on plants, seeds, insects, snails and other aquatic invertebrates. The mallard is a social duck species, often gathering with other mallards to breed, nest, and migrate seasonally. Their distinctive green head coloring makes the male mallard one of the most recognizable wild duck species.
Pekin Duck
The Pekin duck, also called the White Pekin or Long Island duck, is a popular domestic duck breed known for its large size and white plumage. Here are some key facts about Pekin ducks:
- Pekin ducks originated from the mallard in China, bred specifically for meat production
- They have a same build as mallards but are much bulkier, with a more rounded, plump body
- Pekins are completely white with yellow bills and orange feet
- They lack the colorful iridescent feathers of mallards
- The average weight of Pekins is 5-8 lbs, much heavier than mallards
- Pekins are calm, docile ducks that adapt well to confinement
- Due to their fast growth and high meat yield, they are the most popular commercial duck breed
Though Pekin ducks lack the mallard’s wild coloration, their body shape, bill structure, and temperament are similar to mallards. The key difference is their large size and white feathers, which were selected traits when the Pekin was bred from the mallard centuries ago in China.
Rouen Duck
The Rouen duck is another domestic descendant of the mallard, but this breed more closely resembles the mallard in coloration. Here are some features of Rouen ducks:
- Rouens were developed in France in the 19th century, likely from mallards
- Like mallards, Rouens are colored in various shades of brown, gray and black
- Males have green heads similar to male mallards but of a darker shade
- Females have finely penciled brown, black and white plumage
- Overall, Rouens are a bit stockier than mallards with a slightly more upright carriage
- Rouen females lay a large number of eggs, comparable to mallards
- Rouens weigh 7-8 lbs on average, making them a large breed
The Rouen is considered the classic domestic duck breed due to its strong resemblance to the wild mallard ancestor. The Rouen was likely bred both for egg and meat production, resulting in its large size. But unlike Pekins, Rouens maintain more of the natural mallard coloration.
Swedish Duck
The Swedish duck is a relatively rare breed that shares many traits with the wild mallard. Here are some key facts about Swedish ducks:
- This breed originated in Sweden likely from mallards, with breeding selections focused on egg production
- They have the same shape and carriage as mallards, appearing long and slender
- Coloration is similar to mallards, though the speculum (blue wing patch) is more purple/blue
- Males have brilliant green heads like male mallards
- Females and juveniles are brown like female mallards
- Swedish ducks are a small breed, weighing 3-4 lbs on average
- They are active foragers and prolific egg layers like mallards
Due to its mallard-like qualities and smaller size, the Swedish duck is primarily kept for ornamental purposes rather than as a meat bird. Their egg laying abilities also make them useful for homestead egg production.
Influence of Mallards on Domestic Ducks
As the wild progenitor to domestic ducks, the influence of the mallard is evident in many breeds. Mallard traits passed down to domestic descendants include:
- Body structure and carriage – many domestic ducks share the mallard’s long, flat shape which is characteristic of dabbling ducks
- Bill size and shape – domestic ducks tend to have orange bills like mallards rather than the other wild color variations
- Temperament – mallards are social and generally non-aggressive, traits also found in Pekins, Rouens and other domestic ducks
- Plumage patterns – besides solid white breeds like Pekins, most domestic ducks mimic mallard coloration in some form
- Egg laying and foraging tendencies – prolific egg laying and natural foraging behaviors are mallard derived traits
Through selective breeding over hundreds of years, humans have modified traits like plumage color, weight, and egg laying to suit different productive purposes. But evidence of their mallard ancestors remains clear. The wild mallard provides the genetic foundation for diverse domestic duck breeds.
Raising and Breeding Mallard-Type Domestic Ducks
For small scale homestead duck keeping, breeds with strong mallard characteristics like Swedish, Rouen, and Cayuga ducks are often preferred for their laying abilities, hardiness, and tendency to forage. Here are some tips for successfully raising mallard-type domestic ducks:
- Provide a large secure outdoor yard with a pond or small pool for swimming – mallards love water
- Give access to grass or ground for foraging insects and vegetation
- Supplement diet with grain, seed, produce and pelleted feeds to ensure proper nutrition
- Shelter ducks at night away from predators and inclement weather
- Collect and clean eggs often – mallard derived ducks are prolific layers
- Wait until ducks are fully mature around 7 months old before allowing breeding
- Maintain a ratio of 2-3 ducks per drake in the breeding flock
- After breeding, provide nest boxes with bedding for the hens to lay eggs
- Incubate eggs for 28 days before hatching – monitor humidity and egg turning
Raising ducks with a strong mallard background provides the reward of a hardy and self-sufficient backyard flock. Their natural foraging behaviors also help control pests like slugs, snails and insects on the homestead. Mallard-type ducks are a great addition to any small farm ecosystem.
Conclusion
The influence of the mallard duck is widespread in domestic duck breeds developed across the globe. From Chinese Pekins to French Rouens to Swedish ducks, mallard traits like body structure, coloring, temperament, and foraging behaviors are evident in many duck breeds. While specific traits have been selected for meat and egg production, raising mallard-derived breeds allows poultry keepers to enjoy the natural behaviors of these highly adaptive wild ducks. The resiliency of mallards lives on in their domestic descendants, making them excellent ducks both for small farm productivity and enjoyable backyard flocks.
