The Blue Swedish duck is a breed of domesticated duck that originated in Sweden. They are known for their striking blue and white plumage and are popular among backyard duck keepers.
Male and female Blue Swedish ducks look different including physical appearance, behavior, and reproductive characteristics.
Here you can learn about the differences between male and female Blue Swedish ducklings and you can identify them for breeding and care purposes.
Differences between Blue Swedish Duckling Male vs Female
Here are seven differences between Blue Swedish Duckling Males and Females presented in a table:
| Traits | Blue Swedish Duckling Male | Blue Swedish Duckling Female |
| Size and Weight | Generally larger and heavier | Generally smaller and lighter |
| Feather Color and Pattern | More iridescent blue and white feathers | More brownish-gray feathers with less iridescence |
| Bill and Head Shape | Larger and more rounded bill with a flatter head | Smaller and more pointed bill with a rounder head |
| Vocalization | Louder and more frequent quacking | Quieter and less frequent quacking |
| Aggression and Territoriality | More territorial and aggressive | Less territorial and aggressive |
| Nesting and Brooding | Not involved in nesting or brooding | Involved in nesting and brooding behavior |
| Reproductive Characteristics | Curled drake feathers, louder calls, and mating behavior | More consistent egg-laying behavior |
It’s important to note that these differences can vary from individual to individual Swedish duck.
Color Differences Between Female and Male
In my experience raising Blue Swedish ducks, I’ve noticed distinct color differences between males and females. As the ducklings grow, the males develop a stunning iridescent blue-black plumage that’s truly eye-catching.
The female Blue Swedish understated grayish-blue feathering with slightly darker bills that have a hint of orange. These color disparities become even more pronounced as they reach adulthood, making it relatively easy to distinguish between the sexes in my flock.
Size Differences Between Male and Female
Blue Swedish ducklings, like other duck breeds, typically exhibit sexual dimorphism in terms of size.
At maturity, adult drakes can weigh around 8-9 pounds (3.6-4 kg), while adult hens typically weigh around 6-7 pounds (2.7-3.2 kg).
However, it’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and individual ducks may vary in size depending on genetics, diet, and other factors.
It can be difficult to accurately determine the sex of ducklings based on size alone, as there may be an overlap in size between males and females until they are older and fully mature.
Differences Between Female and Male Physical
Blue Swedish ducklings exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning there are physical differences between males and females.
The male ducks have more iridescent blue and white feathers, a larger and more rounded bill with a flatter head, and are generally larger and heavier than females. They also have curly feathers at the base of their tails and tend to be louder and have a more frequent quack.
Female ducks have more brownish-gray feathers with less iridescence, a smaller and more pointed bill with a rounder head, and are generally smaller and lighter than males.
Differences Between Female and Male Behavior
In addition to physical differences, male and female Blue Swedish ducks also exhibit behavioral differences.
Aggression and Territoriality: Male Blue Swedish ducks are often more territorial and aggressive than females. They may become protective of their mate and their territory during the breeding season.
Nesting and Brooding: Female Blue Swedish ducks are involved in nesting and brooding behavior, while males are not. Females will lay eggs and incubate them until they hatch, while males typically do not take part in this process.
Reproductive Characteristics: Male Blue Swedish ducks exhibit mating behavior, including displays such as head bobbing, tail wagging, and vocalization.
They also have curled drake feathers, which are absent in females. Female Blue Swedish ducks exhibit more consistent egg-laying behavior, producing eggs regularly during the breeding season.
Similarity Differences Between Female and Male
While there are several differences between male and female Blue Swedish ducks, there are also many similarities in their behavior and physical characteristics. Here are some of the key similarities of Blue Swedish ducks:
Diet: Male and female Blue Swedish ducks have similar dietary needs and preferences. They are omnivorous and typically feed on a diet that includes grains, insects, aquatic vegetation, and small aquatic animals.
Swimming Ability: Both male and female Blue Swedish ducks are excellent swimmers and have webbed feet that allow them to move easily in the water.
Social Nature: Blue Swedish ducks are social animals and typically live in groups or pairs. Both males and females exhibit social behavior and form close bonds with their mates.
Habitat Requirements: Male and female Blue Swedish ducks have similar habitat requirements and are typically found in wetland areas with access to water and vegetation.
Blue Swedish Ducks Gender Identification
Determining the gender of Blue Swedish ducks can be challenging when they are young. As they mature, males and females develop distinctive physical characteristics that can be used for identification.
Male Blue Swedish ducks typically have a larger head, longer bill, and more pronounced curled feathers at the base of their tails. They also have a darker blue head and neck and a white ring around their neck.
Female Blue Swedish ducks are generally smaller with a shorter bill and less pronounced curled feathers at the base of their tails. They also have a more brownish-gray plumage with less iridescence.
Waiting until Blue Swedish ducks are mature before attempting to determine their gender based on physical characteristics is recommended.
Identify the Male and Female
FAQ
Are Blue Swedish ducks friendly?
Yes, Blue Swedish ducks are generally friendly and social animals. They have a calm and docile nature, making them suitable for backyard flocks or as pets.
Are Blue Swedish ducks rare?
No, Blue Swedish ducks are not considered rare. They are a popular breed of domestic duck that is widely available in many parts of the world. However, as with any breed, local availability may vary depending on the region and local demand.
What color eggs do Blue Swedish ducks lay?
Blue Swedish ducks typically lay white eggs. The size of the eggs can vary depending on the individual duck, but they are usually medium to large in size. While the eggs themselves are not blue in color, the ducks’ unique blue plumage and friendly personality make them a popular breed for backyard flocks and hobby farmers.
Conclusion:
There are several differences between male and female Blue Swedish ducklings, including size, physical characteristics, and behavior. While it can be challenging to identify their gender when they are young, waiting until they mature can make it easier to distinguish between males and females.
