Magpie duck facts for kids
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Head of a drake
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| Conservation status | FAO (2007): critical |
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Quick facts for kids Classification |
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| APA | light duck |
| EE | yes |
| PCGB | light |
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The Magpie is a special kind of domestic duck from Britain. It gets its name because its black and white feathers look a lot like the European magpie bird. These ducks are also known for laying many large eggs.
Contents
A Look at Magpie Duck History
How the Magpie Duck Began
The Magpie duck was first bred right after World War I. This happened in the United Kingdom. Two people, M.C. Gower-Williams from Wales and Oliver Drake from Yorkshire, helped create this breed.
We don't know exactly which ducks were used to create the Magpie. But some people think that the Indian Runner duck might have been one of its ancestors. Another duck called the Huttegem from Belgium might also have played a part.
When Magpies Were First Noticed
The Magpie duck was officially written about for the first time in 1920. A few years later, in 1926, a special club was started just for Magpie duck breeders.
At first, only two main feather colors were officially recognized: black and white, and blue and white. For a long time, only the black and white Magpie was fully recognized by the Poultry Club of Great Britain. But in 1997, the blue and white, and even a rare dun and white color, also became recognized.
Magpies Around the World
In the 1970s, a duck called the Altrheiner Elsterenten was bred in Germany. This duck looks very similar to the Magpie. Some groups even consider them to be the same breed.
Magpie ducks were brought to the United States in 1963. However, they weren't kept by many people at first. It wasn't until 1977 that the Magpie duck was officially added to the American Standard of Perfection, which is a list of recognized breeds.
What Makes a Magpie Duck Special?
Magpie Duck Appearance
Magpie ducks are named for their unique black and white feathers. They look a lot like the European magpie bird. A typical Magpie duck is mostly white. It has two big black patches: one on its back and one on the top of its head.
As a Magpie duck gets older, the black patch on its head often starts to get white spots. Eventually, it might even turn completely white! Besides black and white, Magpies can also have blue, silver, or even a very rare chocolate color. However, in America, only the black and blue colors are officially recognized.
Body Shape and Features
Magpie ducks have a shape similar to the Khaki Campbell duck, but they are a bit bigger. They have a smooth body and stand somewhat upright. This upright posture makes some people think they might be related to the Indian Runner duck.
Their bill (beak) is usually yellow or orange. But as the ducks get older, their bills can turn green. Their legs and feet are orange, but they might have some spots. Magpies have a rounded chest and a neck that is not too long.
Telling Males and Females Apart
You can tell male Magpie ducks (drakes) from female Magpie ducks (ducks) by their tail feathers. When a male is fully grown, it will have curled feathers on its tail. Female Magpies, on the other hand, have straight tail feathers.
Size and Eggs
Male Magpie ducks usually weigh about 2.7 kilograms (6 pounds). Female Magpies are a little lighter, weighing around 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds).
These ducks are known for being great egg layers. They can lay between 220 and 290 large white eggs every year! Magpie ducks are also very strong and healthy. They love to search for their own food and can live for about 9 to 12 years.
Images for kids
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Head of a drake, showing undesirable black spotting
