Determining the type of duck you have can be tricky, as there are over 50 different species of ducks worldwide. However, there are some key characteristics to look for that can help narrow it down. In this article, we’ll go over the main physical features, behavior, habitat, and range to identify common domestic duck breeds and wild duck species. With some close observation and this guide, you’ll be able to tell if you have a Mallard, Muscovy, Call duck, or other type of duck.
Check the Overall Size and Shape
One of the first things to look at is the duck’s overall size and proportions. Ducks come in a wide range of sizes from the tiny Call duck under 2 lbs to the hefty Muscovy duck over 10 lbs.
| Duck Type | Size Description |
|---|---|
| Call Duck | Very small, under 3 lbs |
| Bantam Duck | Small, 3-4 lbs |
| Mallard | Medium, 3.5-4 lbs |
| Pekin | Medium, 7-8 lbs |
| Muscovy | Large, 8-15 lbs |
Also look at the duck’s body shape. Some duck breeds like Call ducks and Mallards have a sleek, rounded shape. Muscovy ducks have a more uneven shape with a large body on short legs. Pekin ducks have a distinctive broad, rounded shape.
Examine the Head and Bill
A duck’s head and bill also show clues about its breed.
Mallards and other wild ducks have slender heads and bills compared to many domestic ducks. Pekins, Calls, and Bantams have short, thick bills.
Muscovy ducks are easy to identify by their bare red face with large nobs or caruncles above the bill.
Call ducks and other ornamental ducks may have tufts or crests on the top of their heads.
The duck’s bill color is also telling. Mallards and wild ducks have greenish-yellow to black bills. Pekins are known for their yellow-orange bills. Muscovy ducks have blackish bills with pale band near the tip.
Also check the overall head shape. Muscovy ducks have flat heads, while other ducks have rounded heads.
Note the Plumage Colors and Markings
A duck’s plumage provides clear breed clues based on the color pattern.
The most recognizable duck species, the Mallard, has glossy green head feathers and a white neck ring. Their chest is purple-brown, while the rear is black and tail feathers are curled.
Muscovy ducks have a muted black and white pattern over most of their body, with a green iridescent sheen on the wings.
Call ducks come in solid colors like gray, white, black, blue, and more.
Pekin ducks are all white with yellowish beaks and feet.
Other domestic duck breeds have combinations of multi-colored patterns on their body, wings, and head.
Check if there are any distinctive markings like patches of color or stripes on the duck’s wings, head, chest or back to help identify the breed.
Observe Behavior and Sounds
A duck’s behavior can also point to its species.
Most domestic ducks are calm and docile, while wild ducks are more cautious and easily spooked.
Muscovy ducks hiss and wag their tails when threatened or aggressive.
Call ducks are very vocal ducks, making frequent loud ringing calls.
Male Mallards are known for their “quack quack” mating calls.
Pekin ducks have a loud, raspy quack that is often repetitive.
Pay attention to how the duck walks. Muscovy ducks have a distinctive waddling gait due to their uneven proportions. Call ducks have a confident, upright carriage.
See if the duck can fly. Muscovy ducks cannot fly well due to their large bodies, while other duck breeds are strong flyers.
Consider Habitat and Geography
Where the duck lives, its habitat, and location can confirm its identity.
Mallards thrive around water in parks, wetlands, and backyards across North America.
Muscovy ducks prefer wetlands and waterways in Central and South America.
Call ducks were originally bred in England and Europe as decoy ducks.
Pekin ducks were bred from Mallards in China for meat production. They do well in backyard farms and ponds.
Knowing if a duck species is native or introduced to your area can help pinpoint domestic breeds versus wild ducks. Talk to local ecology groups to learn about ducks natural to your region.
Use Field Guides
Field guides and reference books about ducks are extremely helpful for identifying species by their visual features.
Duck field guides contain detailed drawings, range maps, size comparisons, and descriptions of duck behaviors and habitat.
Use the key characteristics, colors, markings, and behaviors you observed in your duck to match it to pictures and descriptions in a duck field guide or waterfowl reference book.
Search duck identification guides online for your region. Purchase duck field guides for your location to carry along when observing ducks.
Consult with Duck Experts
If you are still unsure what type of duck you have after using the steps above, seek advice from local duck experts.
Contact nearby waterfowl sanctuaries, wetland ecology centers, university agriculture extensions, 4H clubs, and duck hobbyist groups. Describe your duck’s features and ask if they can identify the species.
Wildlife rehabilitators who treat injured ducks are also very knowledgeable about duck identification.
Veterinarians that work with waterfowl can accurately determine the breed during an examination. Schedule an appointment to get your duck’s species professionally identified.
Join online duck enthusiast forums and subreddit groups. Post a photo or detailed description and ask members knowledgeable about duck breeds for input.
Consider Genetic Testing
Genetic analysis offers a precise way to pinpoint the exact species and breed of duck. There are labs that perform duck DNA testing and feather testing.
Collect a few feathers or request a cheek swab kit to carry out DNA profiling of your duck. Submit the sample to a lab for genotype screening and feather sexing to diagnose the breed.
Duck DNA testing typically provides a certificate confirming the species within 2-3 weeks. Fees range from $25-$100 or more per duck tested.
Genetic testing is the most reliable method for duck identification. It can differentiate between closely related breeds.
Conclusion
Identifying duck species requires a keen eye and attention to detail. Start by observing physical features like size, proportions, plumage colors, bill and head shape. Note any distinctive behavioral traits and vocalizations. Consider where the duck lives and its natural geography and habitat. Use field guides and consult duck experts to match your observations. For definitive results, genetic analysis provides accurate duck breed identification. With some careful detective work, you’ll be able to distinguish which type of duck you have.