Rouen Ducks

A Rare Breed of French Origin

Rouen ducks were developed in the Rouen area of Northern France in the nineteenth century. In appearance they are essentially a much larger, domesticated version of the wild Mallard, the drake in breeding plumage displaying the typical Mallard colouring, iridescent green head, white neck ring, claret breast, blue wing bars, and body of French grey and glossy black, highlighted with white (similar to the Rouen Clair) drake. The female (figured above) is brown with darker pencilled markings, also a handsome bird.

They are heavy ducks but are not nearly as popular as the Pekin for meat. Although developed essentially for the table they are nevertheless quite a good layers. They are often kept simply for their beauty.

Thanks to Marina Steinke for supplying the above illustration and helping with the text.

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