Ducks are a popular type of domesticated waterfowl that are kept for their eggs, meat, feathers and as pets. There are over 100 breeds of domestic ducks, with the two most common being the Pekin duck and the Call duck.
While they may look similar at first glance, call ducks and normal ducks like Pekins have some notable differences when it comes to their origins, size, appearance, temperament, egg laying capabilities, and uses.
Origins
Call ducks originated hundreds of years ago in Asia and were brought to Europe in the 17th century. They were bred specifically for their loud, peculiar sounding call which hunters used as a decoy to attract wild ducks. Their small size also made them easy to carry in hunters’ bags.
Normal duck breeds like the Pekin duck were developed more recently in the Western world in the 19th century. They were bred primarily for their meat and egg production capabilities on farms and homesteads, not for hunting.
Size
One of the biggest differences between call ducks and normal duck breeds is their size. Call ducks are very small, weighing only 1.5-2.5 lbs and standing about 12 inches tall. Here’s a size comparison:
| Breed | Average Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Call Duck | 1.5 – 2.5 lbs | 12 inches |
| Pekin Duck | 8 – 11 lbs | 24 – 28 inches |
As you can see, call ducks are less than half the size of a typical Pekin duck. Their miniaturized size was intentionally bred into them so they would be small and portable for hunters to carry.
Appearance
In addition to their small size, call ducks have some distinguishing physical features that set them apart from standard duck breeds:
- Compact, plump, rounded body shape
- Broad, domed head
- Short, yellow or orange bill
- Short legs set far back on the body
- Color variations include white, black, blue, silver and buff
Pekin ducks have an appearance better suited to domestic meat production. They have:
- Long, large, sturdy bodies
- Long, flat bills good for grazing
- Upright carriage with long necks
- Yellow or white plumage
Call ducks look like a miniature version of a wild duck, while Pekin ducks have been selectively bred to grow big and meaty.
Temperament
According to owners, call ducks tend to be more active, lively and noisy than standard duck breeds. Their hunting heritage makes them more alert, energetic and vocal with their loud, repetitive calls. They are friendly but skittish and easily excitable.
Breeds like the Pekin are known for being calm, docile and less active when raised in captivity on farms. They are very large and somewhat clumsy on land. Pekins tend to be quieter as they don’t have the same hunting instincts as call ducks.
Egg Production
Call ducks lay small white or tinted eggs, about 1/3 the size of a chicken egg. They lay 30-100 eggs per year depending on the individual duck. That is considerably less than standard ducks like Pekins, who average about 200 large white eggs per year. Here’s an egg size comparison:
| Breed | Egg Size | Egg Color | Annual # of Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Duck | Small | White or tinted | 30-100 |
| Pekin Duck | Large | White | 180-200 |
Call ducks were not bred for egg laying ability, so they don’t produce as many eggs as domesticated egg-laying breeds.
Uses
Call ducks were historically used as decoys for duck hunting due to their small size and loud calls. Today they are kept mostly for ornamental purposes, as pets, and for showing.
Standard duck breeds are reared primarily for egg and meat production as part of the agricultural industry. The Pekin duck is the most popular commercial meat duck in the United States and Europe. They are also kept as backyard ducks for their eggs.
Care
Both call ducks and Pekin ducks have similar housing and care requirements as domestic ducks.
All ducks need:
- Access to fresh water for swimming and bathing
- Shelter from weather and predators
- Nesting boxes for egg-laying females
- Duck feed and grit for digestion
- Annual health exams and vaccinations
One difference is that the tiny call ducks are more vulnerable to predators due to their small size. Extra precautions may need to be taken to protect them.
Conclusion
While call ducks and Pekin ducks may seem similar at first glance, they are actually quite different when it comes to their history, physical characteristics, temperament, egg laying abilities and original purposes.
Call ducks are miniature waterfowl that were bred as decoy ducks for hunters, while Pekins are much larger domestic ducks developed for egg and meat production on farms. Call ducks are known for their loud vocalizations, small size, and colorful plumage, whereas Pekins are large, solidly built ducks that are calm and laying-focused.
Both can make enjoyable backyard ducks, but call ducks are lower maintenance as pets, while Pekins are better producers. Consider whether you want noisy, energetic call ducks as waterfowl companions or big, productive Pekin ducks for a steady supply of delicious duck eggs when deciding between these two distinct duck breeds.