Blekingeanka
The Blekinge duck, known as Blekingeanka in Swedish, is a descendent of the old landrace duck. It was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the Blekinge archipelago in southern Sweden. Today, the breed is classified as one of the most endangered birds in the world; there are only around 200 of them.
Their coloration is similar to that of the wild Mallard ducks. They are usually ruddy with white patches and a white neck although pure white birds have also been seen. Their legs and beak are yellow-orange or orange. The average weight for males is from 2.7 to 3.2kg, while for females from 2.2 to 3kg.
The best way to distinguish the ducks is by the shape of their black-tipped beaks. The Blekinge Duck is a hardy breed, well suited for northern climates. They were traditionally brought inside stables for winter and released in the summer.
The Blekinge Duck is considered one of the purest native ducks and is primarily kept for its meat. Only some females will lay eggs, from 60 to 100 a year.
