Crested (duck breed)

The Crested duck is a breed of domestic duck characterized by a large tuft of feathers on the top of its head. This crest is caused by a genetic mutation resulting in a gap in the skull. Not all Crested ducks exhibit equally sized crests; the size and shape of the crest can vary considerably. The presence and size of the crest is affected by a lethal gene combination; ducks homozygous for the crested gene typically die in the egg. Therefore, breeding Crested ducks requires careful consideration to avoid producing offspring with two copies of the gene.

While the breed's origin is somewhat debated, evidence suggests it has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in either Asia or Europe. Crested ducks are kept for both ornamental purposes and for egg production, although they are not typically considered a top egg-laying breed. The crest can sometimes obstruct vision, making the duck more vulnerable to predators.