Top 10 Largest Ducks In The World

Ducks are fascinating and diverse waterfowl that belong to the family Anatidae. These birds are found all over the world, inhabiting a wide range of aquatic environments, from freshwater lakes and rivers to coastal estuaries and marshes. Ducks are known for their distinctive features, behaviors, and roles in both ecosystems and human culture.

There are various species of ducks out there ranging in size from small, dabbling ducks to the largest of them all. It's essential to note that the size of ducks can vary significantly within a species, with individual variations in factors like genetics, diet, and habitat affecting their size.

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Additionally, while domesticated duck breeds tend to be larger than their wild counterparts, the aforementioned species are some of the most prominent examples of larger ducks.

10. Crested Duck (2.7 - 3.2 Kg)

The Crested Duck, scientifically known as Lophonetta specularioides, is a striking and distinctive waterfowl species native to South America The most conspicuous feature of the Crested Duck is the prominent crest on the top of its head. This crest consists of elongated feathers that curve backward giving the duck a rather unique look.

These ducks are considered medium-sized, with an average length of about 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches). Crested Ducks are often found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes.

They are often times kept as domestic pets due to their unusual behavior and funny looks.

9. Golden Cascade (2.7 - 3.6 Kg)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Developed in the United States, particularly in the state of Oregon, the Golden Cascade is considered a heritage breed, treasured for its large size, robust build, and striking golden plumage.

Golden Cascade ducks are among the larger duck breeds, with both drakes (males) and ducks (females) displaying significant size. Adult males typically weigh 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms), while adult females usually range from 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms).

They have a well-rounded and sturdy body shape, characterized by a broad chest, a long neck, and a well-developed frame. The most distinctive feature of Golden Cascade ducks is their beautiful golden plumage, which can vary from a pale gold to a rich, deep golden hue.

8. Saxony (3.0 - 3.6 Kg)

Saxony ducks are a domesticated breed of waterfowl. Originally developed in Germany, Saxony ducks are characterized by their large build, making them a popular choice for both meat production and exhibition.

Saxony ducks can grow to a substantial size and weight with adult males (drakes) typically weighing 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms), while adult females (ducks) are slightly lighter.

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The plumage of Saxony ducks is eye-catching. They have a distinct color pattern with a soft, silvery-blue hue on their body, combined with white plumage on their chest, neck, and face.

7. Cayuga (3.2 - 3.6 Inches)

Originating in the United States, particularly in the region of Cayuga Lake in New York, this breed is celebrated for its striking appearance and suitability for both meat production and ornamental purposes.

Adult males (drakes) typically weigh between 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms), while adult females (ducks) range from 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms).  They have a well-rounded and robust body shape characterized by a broad chest, a long neck, and a sturdy frame.

The Cayuga duck has a beautiful iridescent black or dark greenish-black plumage. Their feathers can appear to have a metallic sheen, especially when exposed to light.

6. Swedish Blue (3.2 - 3.6 Kg)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Swedish Blue ducks, also known as Swedish Pomeranian or Swedish Blue Pomeranian ducks, are a domesticated duck breed native to Sweden. Adult males typically weigh between 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms), while adult females range from 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms).

Swedish Blue ducks exhibit a bluish-gray hue in their plumage, marked by a unique heart-shaped white patch on their chests. In terms of sexual dimorphism, males tend to be both more sizable and darker in coloration compared to their female counterparts. 

As for their egg-laying capabilities, Swedish Blues typically produce an annual yield of 100 to 150 eggs, which come in shades of white or carry a faint tint.

5. Silver Appleyard (3.4 - 3.9 Kg)

The Silver Appleyard was originally developed in the United Kingdom by Reginald Appleyard in the 1930s. This breed quickly gained recognition for its substantial stature, making it a favored choice among farmers.

Adult males usually weigh between 8.6 pounds (3.9 kilograms), while adult females (ducks) range from 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms). The males display chestnut-colored bodies adorned with silvery undersides, along with distinct white neck rings and dark-colored heads.

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In contrast, the females exhibit a distinctive appearance, characterized by predominantly white plumage accented by brown or gray markings. They are often bred for their eggs as they can lay roughly 250 eggs annually.

4. Pekin (3.6 - 4.5 Kg)

The Pekin duck, also known as the American Pekin or White Pekin, is one of the most iconic and well-loved domesticated duck breeds worldwide. Adult males (drakes) typically weigh between 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), while adult females (ducks) range from 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms). 

Pekin ducks are primarily white, with soft, dense feathers that provide insulation and buoyancy. However, the German Pekins are slightly different than the American ones as it has a slight hint of yellow to them.

Not just that, German Pekins also exhibit a noticeably thicker neck, which they carry in a more upright manner, resulting in a distinct and recognizable appearance. They can also produce a decent amount of eggs per year making it suitable for small-scale egg production.

3. Aylesbury (4.1 - 4.5 Kg)

Originating in the market town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, England, this breed quickly gained recognition for its substantial stature, making it a favored choice among commercial farmers.

Adult males roughly weigh 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), while adult females weigh 9 pounds 4.1 kilograms) in weight. They possess an entirely white plumage complemented by legs and bills that exhibit a vibrant orange color.

But in recent years the number of Aylesbury are alarmingly low and they are under threat around the world.

2. Rouen (4.6 - 5.0 Kg)

Despite their nearly indistinguishable resemblance to the classic Mallard duck, Rouens exhibit a significantly larger size, with the drakes having an average weight of 11 pounds (5.0 kilograms) and their counterparts weighing around 10 pounds (4.6 kilograms).

The Rouen Duck is originally from France where they were used as a meat bird and it takes 2 years for them to reach their full size. On average, a Rouen hen can lay between 100 to 180 eggs per year which is not as much as other ducks on this list.

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The ducks are relatively calm making it easier to be handled by farmers.

1. Muscovy (3.2 - 5.7 Kg)

Muscovy ducks are known to be the largest domesticated duck breed in the world. Adult Muscovy drakes (males) can reach impressive weights, often exceeding 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) or more, while Muscovy hens (females) typically weigh between 7 to 9 pounds (3.2 to 4.1 kilograms).

They lack the typical colorful plumage seen in other duck breeds. Instead, they exhibit a distinctive combination of black and white feathers, with some individuals having patches of iridescent green on their wings and sometimes red wattles on around their bill.

However, they love to fight a lot, especially for territorial disputes, food, and even for mates. They are sometimes known in some parts of countries as "Barbary ducks."

Source:

• What things weigh

• Fowl Guide

Also read: Top 10 Biggest Chickens In The World