A small duck can refer to a newly hatched duckling, a naturally diminutive species, or a miniature breed intentionally developed by humans. Determining the type depends on the context, whether it is a wild bird, a biological specimen, or a domesticated animal. Examining these characteristics provides a clear answer to what constitutes a small duck.
The Most Common Small Ducks
The birds most frequently identified as small ducks in the wild are the Teals, which are widespread across North America and Eurasia. The Green-winged Teal and the Blue-winged Teal are North America’s smallest and second-smallest dabbling ducks, respectively, making them the most likely answer in temperate regions. Dabbling ducks feed by tipping forward in shallow water rather than diving completely.
The Green-winged Teal typically weighs between half a pound to one pound, significantly less than a Mallard, which can weigh up to three and a half pounds. Teal species are generally about half the bulk of their larger relatives. The Blue-winged Teal is similarly small, often weighing around one pound, and is notable for its early migration south in the fall. Both species fly in tight, fast-moving flocks, where their small size contributes to the illusion of great speed.
The World’s Smallest Duck Species
For the smallest waterfowl on the planet, the answer lies with a group of birds known as Pygmy Geese, despite their name and goose-like bill shape. The African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus) is consistently cited as the smallest species of waterfowl in Africa and one of the smallest globally. This bird has an average length of about 12 inches and typically weighs just 9 to 10 ounces.
The African Pygmy Goose is technically a type of perching duck rather than a true goose, and it is known for its specialized diet of water lily seeds and aquatic plants. The Cotton Pygmy Goose (Nettapus coromandelianus), native to Asia and Australasia, is another diminutive species in the same genus. These species inhabit freshwater habitats like marshes and swamps, where their small size allows them to navigate dense aquatic vegetation with ease. Their classification as perching ducks relates to their habit of nesting in tree cavities near water.
Miniature Domestic Ducks
When a small duck is encountered in a park or farm setting, it is often a domesticated miniature breed developed for specific purposes. The Call Duck is the smallest breed of domestic duck, with drakes weighing around one to two pounds, similar in size to a wild Teal. This breed was historically developed in the Netherlands to serve as a decoy, using its loud, piercing call to lure wild ducks into funnel traps, which gave the breed its name.
The Call Duck is a bantam breed, meaning it is a miniaturized version of a standard duck derived from the Mallard. Today, these ducks are primarily kept for ornamental purposes or as pets due to their small size, rounded head, and short bill. Other miniature domestic varieties are often referred to as Bantam ducks, designating them as a smaller version of a standard breed.