Magpie Ducklings

Hatching March to July. Straight Run Only.

Magpie Ducks are a distinctive and flashy breed of duck, with markings similar to the Black and White Eurasian Magpie, which is in the crow family.

Production: Magpie Ducks are very good egg layers, laying up to 290 eggs per year. They are also pretty decent meat birds despite their light build. Their meat is high quality and flavorful.

Temperament: Magpie Ducks are active, fast-moving ducks. They love to forage and do very well on pasture. They are great accompaniments to the garden as they are very effective at controlling bugs, slugs, and other invertebrates. Their lightness does allow for decent flying ability, and they will fly if scared.

History: The Magpie Duck was officially developed in Wales in the early 20th Century, and is probably descended from Runner Ducks along with Cayuga and perhaps some old Belgian breeds. They were first imported into the United States in 1963 and have gained a bit of popularity, especially in the mid-1980s. The APA recognized Magpie Ducks in 1977.

Colors: The Magpie Ducks are available in white with either black or blue markings. They are mostly white, and the markings are well-defined. Markings include a cap on the top of the head, above the eyes, across the lower back, and over the top surface of the tail, and extending over the tops of the wings, making a heart-like shape if viewed from above. The black is a rich, deep charcoal color and the blue is a shimmering gray color. Bills are olive-yellow, and feet and legs are orange. Eyes are dark gray or dark brown. Interestingly, as they age, the colored areas get white specks and will eventually become almost all white. Also, most breedings of these ducks result in some ducklings that are pure white.