Duck of the Week: Runner Duck
Also known as the Indian Runner, these ducks stand upright and have a distinct appearance among domestic birds.
Originally coming from Indonesia, ancient carvings in Javan temples indicate types of runner ducks existed in the region for at least the last 2,000 years. Around 1850, runner ducks were introduced to the United Kingdom via Malaysia.
While most ducks move over land by waddling, runner ducks walk or run from a nearly upright position. Their movement is so similar to that of a penguin, they were known as penguin ducks for many years after being introduced to America.
Runner ducks use their mobility to find food, being known as excellent foragers. This trait was encouraged from their early breeding in Indochina, where they were reportedly sent out into rice paddies to glean grain and find other edible flora and fauna to consume.
Prolific egg layers, runner ducks will often lay their eggs wherever they happen to be. But with some ducks of the species laying over 250 eggs per year, they remain a popular domestic breed among farmers.
I can’t recall if I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing a runner duck in person, but I’ll now be on the lookout for an opportunity to see them in their element at full stride.