The Call Duck originates from the Netherlands where they were called Coy or Decoy ducks. They are also called Mallards because of their similar looks. Their call was used by hunters as a decoy to draw other breeds in, like a lure. There are theories that the Call Duck came from East Asia sometime in the 1600’s along with other small bantam breeds. This duck came to Great Britain around the mid-1800’s. The Call Duck was recognized by the APA in 1874.

 

Characteristics

The Call Duck is a bantam, therefore rather small for a duck. They have short pale orange legs, plump, oval bowl-shaped body with short necks and small heads. Their beaks are orange with black spots scattered all over. The eyes are large and blue.

 

Standard Weight

40 oz. or less

 

Varieties

Blue Fawn, Blue Bibbed, Butterscotch, Buff, Chocolate, Gray, Pastel, Snowy, White

 

Uses

The Call Duck is used primarily as a pet.

 

 

References

All Breeds of Poultry, Origin: History: Description, Mating and Characteristics, by Frank L. Platt. Published by AMERICAN POULTRY JOURNAL, Chicago, Illinois.

 

Ekarius, Carol. "Ducks: Call." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 184-85. Print.

Ives, Paul Pomeroy, 1877-. Domestic Geese And Ducks. New York: Orange Judd publishing company, inc., 1951.

Johnson, Sibylle. "Call Ducks." Beauty Of Birds. Avianweb, n.d. Web. 13 July 2015.

 

Roberts, Victoria. British Poultry Standards (6th Edition). Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 13 July 2015.