"...when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another Heaven and another Earth must pass before such a one can be again."
-William Beebe

Magpie Duck

Oliver Drake and M. C. Gower-Williams of Wales are credited with developing this charming duck. Because of this duck’s size, somewhat upright carriage, and plumage pattern, it is conjectured that Magpies may have been descended from the Runner duck and the Huttegem, an old Belgium duck with possible Runner breed ancestry raised during the 1800’s. Isaac Hunter of Michigan imported Magpies to the United States in 1963, and since then Magpies have been kept alive by a handful of breeders in America. The American Poultry Association recognized Magpies in 1977. (Holderread, 45-46)

The Magpie is a light breed, reaching weights of between four and five pounds. (Malone et. al., 316) “The name of this breed comes from its distinctive markings – plumage that is predominantly white, offset by two colored areas: the back from shoulders to tail, and the crown of the head.” (Holderread, 45) It is a long bodied bird, with a broad head, and a long orange or yellow bill. (Batty, 128) This duck’s body carriage is fifteen to thirty degrees above horizontal when relaxed, and slightly higher when agitated. Varieties include åBlacks, Blues, which are Standard colors; Silvers, which are a derivative of Blue; and Chocolates, which are extremely rare.” (Holderread, 46))

Magpies are active foragers that will graze and hunt for a sizable portion of their feed from grass, seeds, insects, and aquatic life. They eagerly search for and consume slugs, snails, and insects; so much so that keepers of large livestock find that these ducks are effective at eliminating liver fluke infestations. Magpies are good layers and will produce 220 to 290 eggs yearly. Their meat is of gourmet quality. Carcasses will pick cleanly because of their light colored under-bellies, and each bird will yield portions suitable for two to three people. Magpies tend to have high strung dispositions. While generally at home on land and not capable of sustained flight, they can propel themselves over a 2-3 foot wall if startled. The drakes have high libido, therefore the ratio of drakes to ducks in a flock should no be more than 1:5 or so. (Holderread, 34))

When choosing breeders, select robust, active, strong-legged birds which come from families known for high egg production. Laying ability and egg size are strongly influenced by the father and therefore it is prudent to choose breeding drakes from high-producing families. Because the genetics of Magpie coloration is complex, breeding good show specimens is a challenge. Color patterning of ducklings will not change as they develop to adults, so breeders can select good specimens for breeding while using other ducklings as utility birds. (Holderread, 46))

ALBC’s 2000 census of domestic waterfowl in North America found only 126 breeding Magpie. While seven people reported breeding Magpie, only one primary breeding flock with 50 or more breeding birds existed. (Bender, 4) There is a critical need for more conservation breeders of Magpie ducks. Their excellent laying ability, gourmet quality meat, and excellent foraging abilities make them a great addition to any small farmstead or backyard producer’s flock..

Status: See CPL

Bibliography:
Batty, Dr. J. Domesticated Ducks and Geese. London, England: Fanciers Suppliers Ltd, 1985.

Bender, Marjorie E. F. D. Phillip Sponenberg, and Donald Bixby. Taking Stock of Waterfowl: The Results of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s Domestic Duck and Goose Census. Pittsboro, NC: The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, 2000.

Holderread, Dave. Storey’s Guide to Raising Ducks. Pownal, VT: Storey Communications, Inc., 2001.)

Malone, Pat; Donnelly, Gerald; and Leonard, Walt. American Standard of Perfection. Mendon, MA : American Poultry Association, 1998.)

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