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Duck Breeds: A Beginner’s Guide
Pekin, Runner, Khaki Campbell, Muscovy, Call — what actually separates the common domestic duck breeds.
Key takeaways
- Breeds were shaped for meat, eggs or ornament — that purpose predicts their behaviour.
- Khaki Campbells and Runners are the laying breeds.
- Muscovies are a separate species and are notably quiet.
- Call ducks are small and loud — a poor choice near close neighbours.
Start with what a breed is for
Domestic duck breeds were shaped for three jobs: meat, eggs, and ornament. Knowing which job a breed was bred for tells you most of what you need to know about its size, temperament and appetite.
Pekin
The big white duck most people picture. Heavy, calm, friendly, a solid layer, and the most common meat breed in the world. Not a flyer.
Indian Runner
Upright, bottle-shaped and comic to watch. Bred for eggs and for foraging — Runners walk rather than waddle and cover a lot of ground.
Khaki Campbell
The laying specialist. A good Campbell can out-lay most chickens. Active, alert and lighter-framed than a Pekin.
Muscovy
Technically a different species, not a mallard descendant. Quiet — they hiss rather than quack — clawed, strong flyers, and famously good at eating insects.
Call duck
Small, loud, and kept as ornamental birds and pets. The name comes from their historical use as living decoys.
Choosing between them
For eggs, look at Khaki Campbell or Runner. For a calm garden bird, Pekin. For pest control and quiet, Muscovy. For a small ornamental flock and you do not mind noise, Call ducks.
Frequently asked questions
Which breed is best for a beginner?
Pekins are calm, hardy and forgiving of small mistakes.
Which duck is quietest?
Muscovy. They hiss and puff instead of quacking.
Do domestic ducks fly away?
Heavy breeds like Pekin cannot fly. Muscovies and lighter breeds can and often do.
