Rouen Ducks Vs Mallards: Different Birds Of The Same Species

Rouen Duck and Mallard may look almost the same as they belong to the same family of Ducks. However, there are some distinct features that set them apart.

Both of them are popular as domestic breeds of Duck that share so many similarities along with possessing unique characteristics in their physical appearance and behavior.

Understanding the difference between these two breeds will allow you to appreciate the diversity within the Duck species and the impact of domestication.

In this article, I’ll point out all the differences and similarities that these two types of Ducks have so that you get a crystal clear idea about their domestic and peaceful existence.

So let’s Duck-dive into this in-depth comparison of Rouen Duck and Mallard to explore the contrasting features that keep them separate.

Rouen Duck Vs Mallard: Descriptions

The most basic difference between the two breeds of Ducks is that Rouen Duck is a subspecies of Mallard that are generally raised on farms. Mallard is a breed that shares the ancestry of many domestic Duck breeds. Let’s check what else differentiates these two Ducks.

Rouen Duck

Source: @lex_doom

• Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
• Size: 66 to 71 cm (26 to 28 in)
• Locality: Europe and North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Year-round

Rouen Ducks are mostly known as the “Perfect Utility Duck.” It is a breed that originated in France during the 19th century and later, spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world. It was developed in the region of Rouen, located in France, and was selectively bred from Mallards.

These Ducks were primarily raised for their meat, which was considered a delicacy in French cuisine. The process of developing them involved selective breeding for specific traits, such as increased size and improved meat quality. Through careful selection and breeding, these domestic birds gradually evolved into distinct breeds with their own characteristics.

Mallard

Source: @thechunkylense

• Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos
• Size: 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in)
• Locality: North America, Europe, and Asia
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-March to July

Mallards are one of the few bird species that have benefitted from human modifications on Earth. Their adaptability to urban environments has made them become one of the most widely distributed Duck species across the globe. They are such a common view in urban landscapes that they are known as “invasive species” in some areas.

They are one of the most popular varieties of birds that were hunted whether for sport or for survival. Their large population makes them an easy target for human consumption. As they do not need to be hung before cooking, they have been hunted and eaten since ancient times.

Rouen Duck Vs Mallard: How to Identify?

Rouen Duck and Mallard look a lot similar as they are just a subspecies away from each other, but there are some obvious differences in their appearance and structure. Once you learn the differentiating features, you will be able to separate these two breeds from each other. So, let’s check some traits that would tell you how to tell a Rouen Duck and Mallard apart.

• Size: While both the Ducks are about medium-large in size, there is a noticeable size difference between them. As Rouen Ducks are specifically bred for consumption, they are significantly larger in size than their ancestors. The size difference is particularly noticeable in their weight and length.

Mallards weigh much less than the Rouens as they have much less meat in their body, resulting in a substantial decrease in their overall dimensions compared to the larger and more satiated forms of the other breed.

• Shape: In terms of shape, there are distinct differences between Rouen Ducks and Mallards. Rouen Ducks have a robust and heavyset body shape. They have a broad chest and a plump overall physique which gives them a substantial and rounder body shape. The head is proportionate to their body size and they typically have slightly larger and more prominent bills.

On the other hand, Mallards have a more streamlined and slender body shape compared to Rouen Ducks. They have a relatively slender chest and a more athletic appearance. The head is smaller in proportion to the body size, with a more delicate and tapered bill.

• Color: Rouen Ducks and Mallards differ significantly in terms of coloration. Rouen Ducks have predominantly gray plumage with shades of dark gray, light gray, and some black. The feathers on their body have a glossy sheen. The breast tends to be lighter in color and is usually light gray or creamy white.

Mallards exhibit more vibrant and varied plumage colors, especially in males. Males have a striking green head with a white neck ring, which separates the green head from the brownish-gray body. Females have mottled brown plumage and are comparatively dull in color, unlike males.

• Bill: The bill differences between Rouen Ducks and Mallards are noticeable and can help distinguish between the two breeds. Rouen Ducks typically have broad and stout bills which are relatively large in proportion to their body size. It has a yellow, or yellowish-green coloration depending on the individual.

The bill of a Mallard is more slender and streamlined compared to that of a Rouen. It is generally smaller in proportion to their body size. Males have a yellow or yellowish-green bill similar to the Rouens, but the females typically have orange or reddish bills with dark spots.

The most common confusion people have while identifying these two breeds is how the female Mallard has a similar bottled-down coloration with the Rouens. However, if you compare other factors like the size and the color of their bills, you can easily identify the two Ducks separately.

In-depth Differences: Rouen Duck Vs Mallard

Rouen Ducks and Mallard have differences not only in their visual appearances but also in their behavioral patterns. Especially because one of them is domestic and another of them is mainly from a wild-born ancestry, these two breeds of Ducks have very distinguishingly different natures. Here are some of the most contrasting habits of these two breeds.

Source: @brookieb4e

Habitat

Rouen Ducks and Mallards have different habitat preferences due to their distinct origins. Rouen Ducks are primarily domesticated Ducks and are commonly raised in farms or backyards. They are well-suited for controlled environments such as ponds, small lakes, or fenced areas with access to water for swimming and foraging.

Mallards, on the other hand, are wild species of Duck that are found in a wide range of habitats. They have noticeable adaptability and can thrive in various wetland habitats such as freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and even in urban areas. They prefer open water bodies rather than closed, farming areas.

Source: @johnlee3915

Behavior

As a domesticated breed, Rouen Ducks are generally calmer and more docile in temperaments compared to Mallards. Because they are often raised in controlled environments with limited exposure to natural habitats, they are less likely to exhibit migratory behaviors.

However, Mallards are wild waterfowl and exhibit a range of natural behaviors common in their species. They are highly adaptable and migratory birds and engage in long-distance flights during certain times of the year. They are social birds who love to gather in flocks and have distinct courtship displays during the breeding season.

Vocalization

Rouen Ducks generally have a relatively low level of vocalization compared to Mallards. They produce a range of soft quacks, clucks, or murmurs that are often gentler and less frequent than the Mallards.

Mallards produce a variety of vocalizations along with the well-known quacks of a general Duck. These quacks can be loud and emphatic when it comes to the males. Females, however, have a softer and more subtle quack.

Rouen Duck Sound

Mallard Sound 

Subspecies

Rouen Ducks do not have any subspecies while Mallards have three subspecies recorded under them. These subspecies demonstrate the natural diversity within the Mallard species and how they have adapted to different geographical regions, unlike the other breed. In fact, Rouens are a specifically domesticated breed that originated from Mallards. However, they are not considered one of those three subspecies.

Source: @j.waite.wildlife

Flying pattern

As Rouen Ducks are a breed derived from Mallards, they may have flying capabilities like their ancestors, however, due to selective breeding for size and weight, they are generally heavier and less inclined to engage in sustained flights. Although, they are capable of flying short distances by flapping their wings to gain altitude and momentum.

On the other hand, as a migratory bird, Mallards are known for their agile and versatile flying capabilities. They often fly in V-shaped formations which helps reduce air resistance and allows the birds to conserve energy during long-distance flights. They are adept at maneuvering in various flying patterns like ascending, descending, and changing directions swiftly.

Nesting

Rouen Ducks usually face controlled environments, hence, they are often provided with nesting boxes or suitable areas for nesting like secluded corners or sheltered spaces. Otherwise, they construct nests with grass, straw leaves, and other available materials throughout the year to maintain their reproductive cycles.

Mallards, however, have specific nesting behaviors and preferences. Female Mallards select nesting sites in vegetated areas near water bodies. They create nests in shallow depressions on the ground and line them with grasses, leaves, and down feathers.

Similarities between Rouen Duck and Mallard

Even though I have been pointing out all the differences between Rouen Ducks and Mallards, they share an ample amount of similarities as well. After all, they are birds of the same species, and therefore, spend their lives with commonalities with each other. Let’s check out why people often mistake these two breeds for the same type of Duck!

Diet

Rouen Ducks and Mallards have very similar dietary preferences and feeding habits. Both of them are omnivorous and consume a combination of grains, seeds, grasses, aquatic plants, insects, worms, and snails, although their diet may have slight differences due to availability.

Rouen Ducks in domestic settings may be more reliant on commercially prepared poultry feed formulated for Ducks to help their nutritional requirements. Contrastingly, Mallards in the wild have a more varied diet such as crustaceans, small fish, and amphibians in addition to their common food choices.

Source: @ballfamily_adventures

Incubation

The incubation process for Rouen Ducks and Mallards is basically the same. Female Rouens and Mallards undertake the incubation of their eggs for around 25 to 28 days. During incubation, the female Duck remains in the nest, providing warmth and protection to the eggs.

She turns the eggs regularly to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the embryos from sticking to the inside of the eggshells. Sometimes she leaves the nest to feed and drink but returns to continue the incubation process.

Swimming Style

Both Rouen Ducks and Mallards are well adapted to swimming. They have webbed feet that are specialized for efficient movement in water. Their swimming style involves a combination of padding their feet and gracefully gliding across the water’s surface. They can propel themselves in a smooth, steady manner and easily maneuver through various water conditions.

Order

Rouen Ducks and Mallards belong to not only the same Order, but also to the same species. They both belong to the Anseriformes Order which is known to include waterfowl birds. They share a common genetic heritage and have similar anatomical and physiological characteristics.

Here is a short and summarized table for you to absorb all the Rouen Duck vs Mallard factors in one glimpse.

FAQ

A lot of questions might be swarming your mind after knowing so many differences and similarities between two birds of the same species. So, let’s check out some answers to your confusion.

Q: Are Mallards good for backyard ponds or small water bodies?

Ans: Mallards can adapt well to various wetland habitats, including backyards ponds, or small water bodies. However, it is important to note that they are wild Ducks and may exhibit natural behaviors and have specific habitat requirements. So, they can be difficult to tame into living in a backyard pond.

Q: Can Mallards interbreed with Rouen Ducks?

Ans: Yes, Mallards and Rouen Ducks can interbreed since they belong to the same species. However, the resulting offspring will exhibit a mix of traits from both parent breeds. Check out some interesting physiological facts about Ducks in our other article.

Q: Can Mallards be good for meat production?

Ans: No, Mallards are wild Ducks and are not typically raised for meat production. Rouen Ducks, on the other hand, are specifically bred for that purpose and are known for their flavorful and tender meat.

Thoughts

In conclusion, Rouen Ducks and Mallards share a common genetic heritage as members of the same species, but they have distinct characteristics and purposes. Each breed offers its own qualities and can bring you fulfillment and prosperity in different ways.

While Rouen Ducks are domesticated breeds knowns for their larger size and suitability for meat production, Mallards are wild waterfowl with more adaptability to diverse habitats.

However, they also share some similarities due to their common ancestry. Both species display adaptations for swimming, have omnivorous diets, and can engage in flight.

Whether it’s for raising domesticated Rouen Ducks for meat and eggs, or appreciating the natural wild behavior of Mallards, knowing their comparable traits will surely help you make informed decisions based on your specific goals and circumstances.

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