The 10 biggest ducks in the world
#10 Biggest Duck: Crowned Duck
The first in the list is the domestic breed – crested ducks. Although they share the same name as the wild species native to South America, they are not the same as the duck. Domestic crested ducks are much larger–weighing about 7 pounds–and are white with a distinctive crest on their heads. Crested ducks are spread all over the world and are often kept as pets due to their unusual appearance. If crested ducks are mated with non-crowned ducks, there is a 50% chance that the offspring will be crowned. They are also good layers and can lay up to 130 eggs per year.
#9 Biggest Duck: Saxony
Saxony ducks are German domestic ducks that were first bred in the 1930s in Saxony, Germany. They are a muscular breed of duck and males weigh about 7.75 pounds. Males have a distinctive gray-blue head, white neck ring, and brown or chestnut bodies. Females are slightly smaller and orange in color with two white stripes on their faces. Saxony ducks are a popular breed as they are easy to breed and have two purposes – they are large enough for the table as well as good egg layers. Saxony ducks lay between 80 and 100 large white eggs per year.
#8 Biggest Duck: Golden Cascade
One of the newest domestic duck breeds is the Golden Waterfall, which weighs between 6 and 8 pounds. Golden Falls was developed in 1979 in North America with the goal of creating an active, well-rounded, fast-growing duck. Golden Falls gets its name from its soft golden color. Although they are a dual-purpose bird, Golden Falls are especially good coats and will keep almost all year round. Their eggs are popular because they contain more nutrients than chicken eggs and generally stay fresh longer due to their thicker shells.
#7 Biggest Duck: Cayuga
Originating in America in 1840, Cayugas are domestic ducks and weigh between 6.5 and 8 pounds. Not much is known about how the breed came about, but it is believed that they are descended from Mallards. Cayuga ducks are particularly stunning birds because they are completely black with a greenish tinge to their feathers and even their beak, legs, and feet are black. Cayuga ducks were originally bred for table, but nowadays they are bred for eggs and for display. They usually lay between 100 and 150 eggs per year. At the beginning of each laying season, its eggs are dark in color and almost black, and gradually lighten until they become almost white at the end of the spawning season.
#6 Biggest Duck: Blue Swede
As its name suggests, Swedish blue ducks originated in Sweden. They are large birds and weigh about 8.8 pounds. Swedish blues are bluish-gray and have a distinct white heart-shaped patch on their chest. Males are generally darker and larger than females. Swedish blues lay between 100 and 150 eggs a year that are white or slightly colored. They are known for their calm and friendly temperament which makes them ideal for first time duck breeders. Swedish Blues are considered to be at risk and it is estimated that there are only 100 breeding pairs left between Sweden and Ireland where they are the most popular.
#5 Biggest Duck: Silver Appleard
The silver apple is a domestic duck from the United Kingdom and is named after its creator – Reginald Appleard. They are large, sturdy ducks and weigh about 9 lbs. Male silver apples have chestnut-colored bodies with silvery undersides, white neck rings, and darker heads. Females have a different appearance and are white with brown or gray markings. Silver apples are dual purpose birds and are often bred for table as well as kept for their egg-laying abilities. They are excellent layers and often lay about 250 eggs per year. Silver apples are active ducks but have a friendly and calm temperament which makes them easy to handle and care for.
#4 Biggest Duck: Peking
Pekins are one of the most easily confused duck breeds as there are two different breeds that usually share the same name – the German pekin and the American pekin. They both weigh about 9 pounds and are bred primarily for their meat. However, there are two differences between them. American Pekingese are completely white, while German Pekingese have a yellowish tinge. Also, the German Pekingese has a thicker neck and is fixed in a more upright position, which gives it a distinctive look. Although not noted for their ability to lay eggs, both Pekingese have rather docile temperaments.
#3 Biggest Duck: Aylesbury
Aylesburys weighing up to 10 pounds, easily among the largest ducks around. Aylesburys originated in the UK and are all white with orange legs and bills. Aylesburys are kept primarily for their meat and were once one of the most popular and well-bred breeds in the UK. However, World War I wiped out many young duck breeders in the UK at the time and soon the breed began to suffer. Aylseburys are now considered threatened worldwide, and there is now only one flock of pure Ayslebury ducks in the UK.
#2 Biggest Duck: Rowan
Although they have an almost identical appearance to traditional Mallard ducks, Rowens are much larger and weigh between 9 and 12 pounds. Rowan ducks originated in France in the nineteenth century AD. Due to their size, Rouens are bred primarily for their meat. They are not particularly good layers and only lay up to 100 eggs per year – often much less than that. Roon ducks are also not particularly good fliers, but they are docile ducks and have a calm and friendly nature which makes them easy to bring back.
#1 Biggest Duck: Muscovy
The largest duck in the world is the Muscovy duck. Weighing in at 15 pounds, these ducks are definitely giants. Males are larger than females and can be up to 30 inches long. Muscovites are native to America where they thrive in cool weather conditions. They are usually found in swamps, lakes, and streams, and often roost in trees at night. Muscovy ducks are black and white and have red dangles around their bill. They eat small fish, reptiles, and insects. Muscovy ducks often fight among each other, with males fighting over land, food, and females. Females fight as well but not as often as males do. Muscovy ducks have been domesticated and domesticated birds are generally known as “Barbary ducks”.
