| Australian Spotted | |
|---|---|
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| Please add a caption! | |
| Information | |
| Origin | United States |
| Class | Bantam |
| Egg Production | 50-125 per year[1] |
| Weight | Drakes 2.2 lbs Ducks 2.0 lbs |
| Status | Endangered |
The Australian Spotted (otherwise known as Aussie Spots) is a domestic duck bred by John C. Kriner JR. and Stanley Mason in the 1920s. Originated in the United States[2], this breed's foundation stock consists of a combination of Mallard, Call, Northern Pintail, and different Australian species. They are exceptionally hardy and excellent foragers- the ducks are also the best layers of the Bantam class.
Originally, Australian Spots were classified as a wild species.
Description[]
Australian Spotteds, according to breeders, should be intermediate in type between the slender, long-billed Mallard/Pintail and the plumpy, short-billed Call. The bills are of medium length (1¾ to 2 in.) and medium width. The head is oval and moderately streamlined (unlike the Call, with a high forehead and chubby cheeks), and the body has a teardrop-shaped profile when viewed from certain angles. It's legs are placed near the center of it's body. [3]
Australian Spotteds are also a bit smaller than most wild Mallards, and their vocalizations are neither high-pitched nor plentiful.
Drakes have plumage resemblance to Mallards, as they have dark-colored heads (depending on the variety, heads will be blue, green, or silver in breeding season) gray/white body color, and bright orange feet. Out of season, they are identical to the ducks.
Ducks have fawn/white plumage with mottled feather patterns, the colors of the spots depending on the variety.
Varieties[]
- Greenhead
- Bluehead
- Silverhead