Crested

A crested duck is a domestic duck carrying the feathered head tuft produced by the crest trait. Crests occur in several breeds and mixed flocks, but the recognized crested type is usually kept as an ornamental or exhibition duck with a rounded body and a pom-pom of feathers set on the back of the skull. Crested ducks may be white, black, buff, gray, mallard-patterned, pied, blue, chocolate, or other colors depending on the line, so the head shape is more important than plumage when identifying the variety.

The crest is attractive, but it is also a management and breeding concern because it is associated with an opening or alteration in skull structure. Large or off-center crests can make a bird more vulnerable to injury, poor balance, or neurologic trouble. Responsible breeding usually favors moderate, centered crests and sound birds, and many breeders avoid mating two heavily crested ducks because embryo loss and defects can increase. In daily care, crested ducks need ordinary duck housing, water, and feed, plus extra protection from rough flockmates that might peck or grab the head feathers.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Fawn, Gray, Magpie, Mallard, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White