How to Identify Different Duck Breeds

Ducks are interesting birds that you can keep for a variety of purposes, including egg production, as pets or for their meat. Several different types of duck breeds are available to choose from, based on your need. Each duck type has unique care and feeding requirements. If you are keen to rear ducks, you must have an understanding of the different duck breeds so that you can make the right selection. Observe the duck's physical characteristics such as color, flying capabilities and body frame to help you identify the different duck breeds.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the color of the ducks. Pekin ducks have a pristine white body. Cayuga ducks are black with shimmering green; Swedish ducks have bluish-gray, black and silver body colors; and Buff ducks are a fawn color.

    • 2

      Determine whether the duck can fly. Ducks such as the Pekin, Rouen and Indian Runners cannot fly, whereas Call ducks, Campbell ducks and Muscovys can fly.

    • 3

      Examine the body shape of the ducks. Pekin, Muscovy, Buff, Cayuga and Swedish ducks are large-bodied, while Call ducks have small, short bodies and Indian Runners are medium-bodied with long, upright necks. Pekin and Muscovy ducks are generally reared for their meat, and can each weigh up to 9 lbs. and 15 lbs., respectively.