Magpie Duck

Looks how to spot one

Feathers

The Magpie Duck has a striking, clean white body with a coloured cap on the crown and a large coloured patch running from the shoulders down the back to the tail. As the bird ages, the cap often becomes flecked with white and may turn completely white. The body is carried at an angle of about 35 degrees when moving, with a long curved neck, full breast and broad back. The bill is broad and long, turning from yellow in youth to grey-green in females and green-spotted yellow in males. Legs and feet are orange, sometimes with dark mottling.15

Personality what they are like

Magpie Ducks are generally docile and friendly, especially if handled from a young age. They are active and curious foragers, but can be high-strung or easily startled. Drakes have a high libido, so it is best to keep at least five females per drake to avoid tiring the hens. They are usually quiet, though they may become loud if they feel threatened. They get along well with other animals and are good with children and adults.56

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Magpie Ducks are active foragers that need plenty of space to roam and graze. They are not good fliers but can jump over a 2-3 foot barrier if startled. They thrive with access to a pond or pool for swimming and bathing, which is essential for their natural behaviour and health. At least 10 square feet per duck in an outdoor run is recommended, with more space being better.54

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Magpie Ducks require basic duck care: a secure coop for shelter from weather and predators, constant access to clean water for drinking and bathing, and a place to free-range. They do not need perches or nest boxes as they lay eggs on the ground. Provide 4 square feet per duck inside the shelter. Their water source must be deep enough for them to submerge their heads and clean their nostrils. Regularly clean the coop and water to prevent illness.4

Home where they are happiest

Magpie Ducks are hardy and adapt well to most damp climates, from cold to hot and humid. They need a predator-proof coop for night-time and a secure outdoor area with access to a pond, pool or other body of water for swimming and foraging. They are not capable of sustained flight, so a low fence (at least 3 feet high) is usually sufficient. They do well in free-range settings and can help clear gardens of pests.65

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Magpie Ducks are efficient foragers and will eat grass, seeds, insects, slugs, snails and aquatic life. Supplement with a balanced poultry or waterfowl feed. Avoid medicated feeds meant for chickens as they can harm ducks. In warmer months, provide layer feed for extra calcium; in colder months, use broiler feed as they lay less and cannot forage as much. Always provide free access to feed and fresh water.45

Company who they like around

Magpie Ducks are social and do best in small flocks. They are generally peaceful with other ducks and animals. Drakes need at least five females to prevent over-mating. Ducklings imprint strongly on their keeper, especially if they are a lone survivor or hatch later than others. They are not typically broody, but those that do brood are attentive mothers. They are quiet and suitable for families with children.56

The story where it all began

The Magpie Duck was developed in the 1920s, shortly after the First World War, by M. C. Gower-Williams in Wales and Oliver Drake in Yorkshire. Its exact ancestry is unknown, but it is thought to include the Indian Runner duck and possibly the Huttegem, an old Belgian breed. The breed was first described in 1921, a breeders' club formed in 1926, and a standard published that same year. Originally bred as a commercial utility bird for both meat and eggs, it is now kept mainly for exhibition and as a homestead pet. It was exported to the United States in 1963 and admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1977.125

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association (APA)

Recognised in the Standard of Perfection in 1977 as a light duck.1

Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB)

First standard published in 1926; black-and-white and blue-and-white varieties recognised then, dun-and-white in 1997, chocolate-and-white later.1

Entente Européenne (EE)

Recognised as a standard breed.1