Afroduck was Ohio State’s beloved unofficial mascot because of a unique trait that set him apart from the other ducks, a crest of feathers on his head that looked like an afro. Many have wondered if this is a kind of rare genetic mutation never before seen in ducks. As it turns out, his fluffy little afro is a genetic mutation, but it is far from rare.
Afroduck was a breed of domestic Crested Duck. This means that he was specifically bred to have a fluffy crest atop his head. The crest trait has been selected for by breeders in many different duck species. These ducks are considered ‘fancy breeds’ and are bred for show, not for their eggs or meat.
Melchior d’ Hondecoeter. A Hunter’s Bag near a Tree Stump with a Magpie, 1678. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, www.rijksmuseum.nl
When humans breed animals for a specific trait we call this artificial selection. Artificial selection has allowed us to domesticate wild animals into livestock like pigs, cows, and sheep. Unfortunately, selecting for a certain trait and attempting to exaggerate that trait as much as possible can have unintended consequences. For example, dog breeds with smashed-in faces, like bulldogs and pugs, have respiratory problems because of their small nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea. Selectively breeding for a crest in ducks also comes with negative consequences.
The crest forms on the head of the duck because of a malformation in the skull. These ducks develop with a gap in their skull which is filled in with a mass of fatty tissue. The feathers growing from this area of the head are fluffy and create the crest. Studies have found that the fat bodies cause motor incoordination in some ducks. A 2009 study conducted by J. Mehlhorn and G. Rehkämper tested coordination in crested ducks by placing them on their backs and timing how long it took for them to right themselves. Ducks with larger fat bodies were more likely to have bad coordination
The crested gene is potentially a lethal gene as well. If two ducks with the crested trait are bred there is a 25% mortality rate for the ducklings. Ducklings who receive the crested gene from both parents are likely to die in the shell. The gap in the skull will cause the duckling’s brain to develop outside of the skull.
Humans have used artificial selection for hundreds of years to genetically modify and domesticate plants and animals. In the case of Afroduck and other fancy ducks, humans have selected unusual genetic mutations that they find visually pleasing. Breeding animals in order to exaggerate a single trait often creates unintended and detrimental side-effects. While we might consider Afroduck’s best phyiscal trait to be his fully afro, he might not agree.
About the Author: Chelsea Hothem is a 3rd year majoring in Evolution & Ecology at The Ohio State University and works as a Research Assistant at the Museum of Biological Diversity in the Tetrapod Collection.
Ducks With Afros A Unique and Interesting Sight
Ducks with afro-like crests are an amusing sight that many people may have seen in nature or on farms The tuft of feathers on top of their heads makes them stand out from regular ducks While a duck with an afro may seem like a funky hairdo, this crest actually serves an important purpose for the ducks.
What Causes the Afro on Ducks?
The afro or crest on certain duck species is caused by longer feathers growing on the top of their heads. This feature is present in a number of wild duck species and has also been bred into domesticated ducks.
In wild ducks like the Hooded Merganser, tufted duck, and Brazilian merganser, the crest is a naturally occurring feature. It is present on males of the species, especially during breeding season. The crest is used for mating displays and communication.
Crested domestic duck breeds like the Crested Duck and Bali Duck have afros due to selective breeding. In these ducks, the crest is the result of a skull deformity that causes a fatty deposit on the head. The tufted feathers grow from this deposit, creating the afro shape. Unfortunately, this deformity causes many health issues for crested domestic ducks.
Popular Wild Ducks with Afros
Several wild duck species sport impressive afro-like crests. Here are some of the most common wild ducks with afros:
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Hooded Merganser: Found in North America, both male and female Hooded Mergansers have striking crests. The male’s large white and black crest stands out dramatically during breeding season.
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Tufted Duck: With a population of around 3 million worldwide, this Eurasian duck has a signature poof at the back of its head. Males have a black crest and females brown.
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Red-breasted Merganser: Males sport a bold black mohawk while females have a delicate brown crest. It’s especially noticeable when they lift their heads after diving.
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Brazilian Merganser: Endangered with only 250 left, this Brazilian duck has an exceptionally long, shaggy crest. Males also have a flashy green sheen during mating season.
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Common Merganser: Although not very noticeable, the Common Merganser’s thin crest becomes visible when it surfaces from a dive. Approximately 1-2.5 million exist worldwide.
Crested Domestic Duck Breeds
In addition to wild ducks, certain domestic duck breeds have been selectively bred to have head crests. This includes:
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Crested Ducks: Prized for their silly poof of head feathers, Crested Ducks were bred starting in the 1600s for the mutation. Most are white, but can come in other colors too.
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Bali Ducks: Unique to the island of Bali, less than one-third of these ducks have a crest due to the genetic challenges. They are bred for meat locally.
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Crested Miniature Ducks: A recent smaller version of the Crested Duck, these tiny ducks often have oversized crests that need trimming.
Purpose of the Crest in Ducks
So why do some duck species have prominent tufts of feathers on their heads? The crest serves a few important purposes:
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Attracting Mates: Male ducks use their crest to attract females during breeding season. The striking plumage helps them stand out.
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Communicating: Ducks also use their crest to communicate with other ducks. Raising or lowering the crest conveys information.
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Defense: By making themselves look bigger and more intimidating, crested ducks can also scare away potential predators.
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Speed: Some scientists believe streamlined crest feathers may help certain diving ducks swim faster through the water.
The role of the crest depends on the duck species and time of year. But in most cases, it assists with mating success and communication.
Unique Behavior of Crested Ducks
Besides their silly hairdos, crested duck breeds have some other interesting behaviors:
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Friendly Demeanor: Crested Ducks are typically quite tame and enjoyable as pets. Their calm, quiet nature makes them good house ducks.
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Odd Walk: Since crest feathers can obstruct their vision, Crested Ducks sometimes walk with a drunken waddle. The heavy crest also throws off their balance.
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Colored Eggs: The eggs of Crested Ducks can be white, blue, or green depending on diet and genetics. Most lay large, pale bluish eggs.
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Trimming Needs: Owners sometimes need to trim overgrown crest feathers if they droop too low over a duck’s eyes or face.
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Sensitive Skulls: The skull bone under the crest is fragile. Crested Ducks require a safe environment to prevent injury.
While crested ducks have unique care needs, their fluffy hairdos provide endless entertainment watching them wobble around.
Rarity of Duck Afros Around the World
The prevalence of ducks with afro-style crest feathers varies widely around the globe. Certain afro duck species number in the millions, while others are critically endangered.
Very Common:
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Hooded Mergansers: Up to 390,000 in North America
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Tufted Ducks: Approximately 3 million worldwide
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Red-breasted Mergansers: 370,000 in North America and Eurasia
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Common Mergansers: Between 1-2.5 million globally
Moderately Common:
- Brazilian Mergansers: Around 250 total
Rare:
- Scaly-sided Mergansers: Only 4,500 left in East Asia
The crested breeds with the highest populations remain plentiful because they inhabit large ranges and migrate to find suitable habitat. However, small localized species are at risk as their environments degrade and disappear.
Endangered ducks with afros like the Brazilian Merganser cling to existence in small fragile populations. But abundant migratory ducks like the Tufted Duck continue to thrive across continents. Habitat protection and hunting restrictions help secure future populations of these unique afro ducks.
In Closing
Duck species endowed with mohawk-style crests give us a charming reminder of nature’s diversity. Beyond their silly hairdos, afro feathers fill important roles for courtship, defense, and more. Next time you see a duck with an afro, take a moment to admire its uniqueness. With care and conservation, these feathered ducks will continue brightening wetlands with their funky hairstyles for generations to come.
Ducks with Afros
FAQ
What breed of duck has an afro?
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Appearance:Crested Ducks are easily recognizable by their distinctive crest, which is a tuft or cluster of feathers on the top of their head.
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Origin:The origins of Crested Ducks are not precisely known, but they have been around since before the 1600s.
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Breeding:The crest trait is an autosomal dominant gene, meaning it can be bred into any duck breed except Muscovy.
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Purpose:Crested Ducks are primarily bred for ornamental purposes and are often kept as pets or as show ducks.
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Health Concerns:While they are cute, some sources suggest that the crest trait, which is caused by a genetic mutation, can lead to health problems and high duckling fatality.
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Other Names:They are sometimes referred to as “Afroducks” or “Crested Pekin Ducks”.
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Bali Duck:The Bali Duck, also known as the Balinese Crested Duck or Crested Runner Duck, is another duck breed native to Bali in Indonesia that has a crest of white feathers.
What kind of duck has a poof on its head?
As Finch knew, Ludacris is a white crested duck, named after its puffy headgear. The crest is caused when a genetic mutation leaves a gap in the duck’s skull that is filled with fatty tissue and the pouf of feathers. Crested ducks can suffer other problems as well, she explained.
Why do some ducks have afros?
- Genetic Mutation: The crest is a result of a genetic mutation that causes a malformation in the duck’s skull.
- Gap in Skull: This mutation leads to a gap in the skull, which is then filled with a mass of fatty tissue.
- Feather Growth: The fluffy crest of feathers grows from this area of fatty tissue.
- Breeding for Show: Crested ducks are bred for their appearance, not for meat or eggs, and are considered fancy breeds.
- Health Concerns: While the crest is a unique and visually striking feature, it can be associated with some health problems.
- Not Wild: Crested ducks are not found in the wild, they are bred by humans.
What is the name of the duck with hair?
The Crested is a breed of domestic duck, characterised by a crest or tuft of feathers on the head. Ducks of this kind were probably brought from the East Indies to Europe by Dutch ships.
Are there any Ducks with afros?
One of the longest and most prominent duck afros is seen on Brazilian Mergansers (Mergus octosetaceus). Unfortunately, this is one of the rarest types of ducks with afros in the world. By some estimates, there are only around 250 Brazilian Mergansers in the world.
Can you see a duck with an Afro?
Seeing a duck with an afro is quite a sight to behold. The tuft of hair on the top of the duck’s head is not something you see every day. If you happen to encounter one on a farm or in the wild, you may wonder what type of duck breed it is and how it came to be. Ducks with afros are called Crested Ducks.
Why do Crested Ducks have Afro?
The Crested Duck’s afro is a result of a skull deformity passed on through breeding. Crested Ducks are known for laying a lot of large eggs. While they are primarily kept as ornamental birds and pets, Crested Ducks are considered good layers.
Why are ducks with afros so popular?
Ducks, with their unique feathers, became a canvas for creative expression, and the duck afro trend was born. The cultural influences that contributed to the rise of ducks with afros are diverse and fascinating. One of the primary influences was the Black Power movement, which advocated for self-empowerment and pride in African heritage.
Does Donald Duck have an Afro?
Another iconic duck with an afro is Donald Duck. This beloved Disney character has been a staple in the world of animation for generations. While Donald Duck is typically recognized for his distinctive voice and sailor outfit, there have been instances where he has been depicted with a stylish afro.
How do Ducks adorn their hair with afros?
Ducks with afros started adorning their hair with tiny hats, ribbons, and even miniature sunglasses. These accessories not only added a touch of style but also provided practical benefits by protecting the delicate feathers from environmental elements.