Duckling Identification Guide

Muscovy ducklings come in a number of different color combinations, but those combinations will consist of only two colors: yellow and brown. They are often confused with Mallard and Wood ducklings, but if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell one from another.

Often, the only difference between a Mallard and a Muscovy duckling is the lines near its eyes. On a Mallard, the line goes all the way from the back of its head to its bill. The line by a Muscovy duckling’s eye stops at its eye; it doesn’t continue on to the bill.

The markings on a Wood duckling are pretty much identical to those of most Muscovies. Wood ducklings, however, are tinier than Muscovy ducklings. (That said, if you’ve never held a duckling in your hand, though, it’ll seem tiny no matter what kind it is if it’s less than a week old, so that indicator isn’t much help.) The other fairly certain way to tell a Wood duckling from a Muscovy duckling is their activity level. Muscovies are pretty laid back and waddle around like normal ducks. Wood ducklings are born in cavities up high, and their instinct is to jump out of that cavity shortly after birth. When a rescued Wood duckling is kept in something, it’s instinct is to jump out of it. It will exhaust itself to death with jumping, so it’s important to get it to a wildlife rehabber as soon as possible because they’ll know how to keep it alive. (You’re actually required by law to take the Wood ducklings and Mallard ducklings to licensed wildlife rehabbers, as they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.)

If you ever find a duckling and need help identifying it, let us know. We’ll be happy to help.