Crested ducks are an old breed that have a crest of feather on their heads. Their origin is not certain, but it is thought that a crest can occur occasionally in a Mallard duck, and that Crested ducks have been bred from them. Another theory is that crested Runner ducks were brought to Europe and they crossed with local duck breeds. The crests occur from a dominant mutation.

The varieties are usually white or black, although there are other colors of ducks with crests. They are good layers that produce around 200 eggs per year and they also have tasty meat. They enjoy foraging for many garden pests and are happy in a free range set up or as a back garden bird.

They are quiet and docile in temperament and easy to keep, although breeding Crested ducks is not recommended for beginners as the mutated gene can cause problems with their off-spring. Mature males weigh around 3.2 kg and females 2.7 kg.