Birds Guide

Pekin Duck

A Pekin duck is a breed of domesticated duck used primarily for egg and meat production. Bred from the Mallard in China, it was brought to the United States about 1873, where it is the most popular commercial duck breed.

Adult Pekin ducks weigh approximately 8 pounds, and are characterized by a yellow bill and creamy white plumage, with orange shanks and toes. Ducklings have bright yellow plumage. The ducks have an upright carriage and a peculiarly upturned rump.

When young it is difficult to determine the gender of the duck; when older the male ducks acquire a curled tail feather, called a drake feather.

Trivia

• It is widely believed that Donald Duck is modeled after a Pekin duck.
• The mascot of the insurance company Aflac is a Pekin duck.

References

• Pekin duck
• Pekin duck breed