The Most Beautiful Duck in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the duck you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:18

In a serene pond scattered with lilies, a vibrant collection of ducks glides gracefully, each adorned with unique patterns and colors. Contemplating their beauty, one might wonder which of these splendid creatures could be considered the most captivating. Such a question not only celebrates the diversity of these aquatic birds but also invites enthusiasts to participate in a delightful discussion. By casting a vote for the most beautiful duck, observers connect with a community of fellow admirers and contribute to a broader appreciation of wildlife. As votes accumulate, they paint a picture of public admiration, not just for the winner, but for all. This active engagement helps elevate the presence and awareness of these stunning birds and encourages a deeper understanding of their roles in natural habitats.

What Is the Most Beautiful Duck in the World?

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43
votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck is known for its striking colors, the Mandarin Duck is widely considered one of the most beautiful ducks in the world. The male has a bright orange crest and a green-blue head, while the female has a grayish-brown plumage.
The Mandarin Duck is a small to medium-sized duck species known for its vibrant and stunningly beautiful plumage. This bird is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. The male Mandarin Duck is renowned for its bright and richly colored feathers, consisting of a combination of orange, yellow, green, blue, and white. The female, on the other hand, has a more subtle appearance with grayish-brown plumage.

Weight: Around 1.5-2 pounds (680-910 grams)

Scientific Name: Aix galericulata

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Size: Approximately 16-19 inches (40-50 cm) in length

Wingspan: About 25-30 inches (65-75 cm)
Mandarin Duck in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird in the whole world
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful animal on Earth
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36
votes
Frank Vassen · CC BY 2.0

Wood Duck

Wood Duck is the Wood Duck, also known as the Carolina Duck or Summer Duck, is a North American species with a distinctive iridescent plumage. The male has a striking combination of green, purple, and white, while the female is less colorful but still beautiful.
The Wood Duck is a strikingly beautiful duck species that is known for its vibrant and intricate plumage patterns. It is considered one of the most stunning ducks in the world. The male Wood Duck has a multi-colored pattern consisting of metallic purples, greens, and blues on its head and neck. It also has a distinctive white chin strap and a distinctive crest on its head. The female Wood Duck, although not as brightly colored as the male, showcases elegant shades of gray and brown, with a white eye-ring and a white throat patch.

Scientific Name: Aix sponsa

Habitat: North America (wooded swamps, shallow lakes, and marshes)

Diet: Omnivorous (feeds on seeds, fruits, insects, and aquatic invertebrates)

Size: Male: 19-21 inches (48-54 cm) in length, Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) in length

Weight: Male: 1-1.4 pounds (450-650 grams), Female: 0.8-1.2 pounds (360-550 grams)
Wood Duck in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular duck to hunt
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26
votes
Peter Massas · CC BY-SA 2.0

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck is named after the clown-like patterns on its plumage, the Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck found in North America and Asia. The male has a striking blue-gray body and chestnut sides, while the female is mostly gray.
The Harlequin Duck is a small and colorful sea duck known for its striking and intricate plumage. It is considered one of the most beautiful ducks in the world.

Scientific Name: Histrionicus histrionicus

Size: 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in length

Weight: 450-700 grams (1-1.5 pounds)

Coloration: Males: Dark blue-gray body with bold white stripes, chestnut sides, and a reddish-brown head. Females: Smaller and less colorful, with a brownish-gray body.

Range: Breeds in fast-flowing streams and rivers of North America, particularly in Alaska and Canada. During the winter, they migrate to the coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean.
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14
votes
Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa · CC BY 2.0

Cape Teal

Cape Teal is a highly sought-after duck among bird-watchers, the Cape Teal is a species found in southern Africa. The male has a striking green head and neck, while the female has a brownish-gray plumage.
The Cape Teal is a strikingly beautiful species of duck found in Southern Africa. It is known for its vibrant plumage and elegant appearance. The creator of the Cape Teal is Mother Nature herself. It possesses various noteworthy characteristics that make it unique and stand out among other ducks.

Scientific Name: Anas capensis

Habitat: Southern Africa

Size: Approximately 40-48 cm in length

Plumage: Males have a dark grey body with a stunning metallic green crescent on the forewing, while females have a mottled brown appearance

Head: Males have a glossy dark green head, while females have a brownish head with pale speckling
5

16
votes
Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail is a common duck found throughout the northern hemisphere, the Northern Pintail is known for its elegant appearance. The male has a long, slender neck and a distinctive white stripe that runs down its neck, while the female is brown and mottled.
The Northern Pintail is a species of duck known for its elegant appearance and graceful movements. The male has a distinct profile with a long and slender neck, pointed tail feathers, and a chocolate-brown head. Its body is brightly colored with a combination of gray, white, and black. Females, on the other hand, have a mottled brown appearance with a lighter belly. Pintails are known for their soaring flight and swift speed, making them mesmerizing to watch in the sky.

Scientific Name: Anas acuta

Family: Anatidae

Average Length: 24 - 29 inches

Wingspan: 35 - 39 inches

Weight: 1.5 - 2.5 pounds
6

7
votes
Mallard

Mallard is a familiar duck to many, the Mallard is still considered one of the most beautiful species. The male has a shiny green head and neck, a yellow bill, and a brownish-gray body, while the female is mottled brown.
The Mallard is a species of duck known for its stunning beauty, vibrant colors, and elegant appearance. It is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful ducks in the world.

Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos

Size: Approximately 50-65 cm in length

Weight: Average weight of 0.72-1.58 kg

Plumage: Bright and varied, with males having a glossy green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and grayish body, and females sporting a mottled brown coloration

Wingspan: Around 81-98 cm
7

7
votes
Andreas Trepte · CC BY-SA 2.5

Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon is a small duck found in Europe and Asia, the Eurasian Wigeon is known for its striking colors. The male has a rusty-red head and neck, a gray body, and a white patch on its wings, while the female is mostly brown.
The Eurasian Wigeon is a species of duck found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It is known for its vibrant and striking appearance.

Scientific Name: Mareca penelope

Average Size: 45 - 52 cm (18 - 20 in)

Weight: 600 - 1100 g (1.3 - 2.4 lb)

Wingspan: 70 - 80 cm (28 - 31 in)

Plumage: Males have a chestnut head, creamy forehead, pink breast, and greyish body, while females have a grey-brown coloration.
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10
votes
Peter Massas · CC BY-SA 2.0

Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser is a sea duck found in North America, Europe, and Asia, the Red-breasted Merganser is known for its striking plumage. The male has a green head, a white neck, and a rusty-red breast, while the female is mostly brown.
The Red-breasted Merganser is a strikingly beautiful species of duck known for its vibrant coloring and elegant demeanor. It is considered one of the most beautiful ducks in the world.

Scientific Name: Mergus serrator

Size: Length: 50-70 cm, Wingspan: 66-86 cm

Weight: Female: 0.7-1.5 kg, Male: 0.9-1.8 kg

Plumage: Breeding male: Glossy dark green head, rust-colored breast, and white body. Female and non-breeding male: Brownish-gray with a reddish-brown head.

Range: Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
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15
votes
Dr. Raju Kasambe · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck is a common duck found in Europe and Asia, the Tufted Duck is known for its distinctive tuft of feathers on its head. The male has a black body and white sides, while the female is mostly brown.
The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck known for its striking appearance and graceful presence. It is one of the most beautiful ducks in the world.

Scientific Name: Aythya fuligula

Size: Approximately 37-47 cm (14-18.5 inches) in length

Weight: 500-1,100 grams (1.1-2.4 lbs)

Appearance: Males have a glossy black plumage, a distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of the head, white sides, and a dark body. Females have a brown body with a slight tuft and a pale area around the bill.

Habitat: They can be found in various freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and marshes, preferring calm waters.
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7
votes
ALAN SCHMIERER · CC0

American Black Duck

American Black Duck is a large dabbling duck found in North America, the American Black Duck is known for its shiny black plumage. The male has a yellow bill and a greenish-yellow head, while the female is mottled brown.
The American Black Duck is a striking waterfowl species known for its elegant appearance and subtle beauty. With its sleek black plumage, dark-brown head, and contrasting light chin, this duck is a visually captivating sight. It is closely related to the Mallard and often mistaken for it due to their similar appearance. However, the American Black Duck has distinct features that set it apart.

Scientific name: Anas rubripes

Average length: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)

Wingspan: 32-38 inches (81-97 cm)

Weight: 1.7-3.4 pounds (0.8-1.5 kg)

Habitat: Eastern North America, including wetlands, marshes, and wooded swamps
American Black Duck in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular duck to hunt

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Ranking factors for beautiful duck

Color and pattern

Observe the colors and patterns on the duck's feathers. Bright, bold, and iridescent colors, as well as unique and intricate patterns, can add to a duck's beauty.
Plumage

The overall condition of the duck's feathers can indicate its health and beauty. Healthy, clean, and well-groomed plumage adds to the duck's appeal.
Body shape and proportions

A well-proportioned and streamlined body shape can make a duck more visually appealing. Consider the balance between the size of the head, neck, body, and tail, as well as the overall symmetry of the bird.
Bill shape and color

A duck's bill is an important feature, and its shape and color can enhance the bird's overall appearance. Look for bright, vibrant colors and interestingly shaped bills.
Eyes

The size, shape, and color of the duck's eyes can affect its overall beauty. Bright, clear eyes with unique colors or patterns can make a duck stand out.
Leg and feet color

The color and condition of a duck's legs and feet can also contribute to its beauty. Healthy and vibrant leg and feet colors can enhance the duck's appearance.
Feather quality

Healthy, full feathers should be a priority when judging a duck's beauty. Check the overall condition, texture, and sheen of the feathers.
Behavior

A duck's behavior, including its posture and the way it carries itself, can affect its overall appearance. Confident and graceful ducks are often viewed as more beautiful.
Rarity

Some duck species are rarer than others, which can make them more intriguing and beautiful to some people.
Species' unique features

Each duck species has its unique features that set it apart from others, such as elongated tail feathers, crests, or unusual feather tufts. These unique features can enhance a duck's beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful duck in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or duck is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2706 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each duck once every 24 hours. The rank of each duck is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful duck in the world

Ducks are one of the most fascinating and diverse bird species in the world. There are over 120 different species of ducks, each with their unique features and characteristics. From their colorful plumage, distinctive bills, and webbed feet, ducks are a true marvel of nature. When it comes to beauty, there are several stunning duck species that stand out. From the vibrant Mandarin Duck with its bold plumage to the elegant Northern Pintail with its long, slender neck, there is no shortage of beautiful ducks in the world. In this article, we'll be delving into the world of ducks to find out which species is the most beautiful. We'll explore their unique features, habitats, and behaviors to help us determine which duck is truly the most beautiful of them all. So, let's get started and dive into the world of ducks!