Welsh Harlequin Ducks

Welsh Harlequin History

This breed has a fascinating story which begins quietly enough with it being developed by Group Captain Leslie Bonnet in the late nineteen forties using Khaki Campbell 'sports' (pure breeds that do not resemble the normal standards – much used in breed development), and later using other breeds as a cross. Although he originally did this in Herefordshire, the family moved to North Wales, hence the origin of the name 'Welsh Harlequin'. They were a utility breed and proved popular but as with so many ducks breeds numbers dropped in the fifties and sixties. Disaster then struck. A fox wiped out Group Captain Bonnet's birds that were direct descendants of the original 'sports'. It looked like the breed was lost forever. Yet in 1963, a Mr Eddie Grayson of Lancashire had bought some of the original Bonnet birds who carried all the genetics and he still had them so the breed was saved. Breeding stock was imported into the USA in 1968 and standardised in 1987 and today this breed has a lot of interest for its beauty and usefulness. The drake has a green and bronze head with a white circle around his neck and his breast and shoulders are a laced, rich red mahogany brown. The wings have a tortoiseshell effect. The duck has a honey brown head and neck and her main body is fawn to cream with lacing on her wings, making them a handsome pair.

Welsh Harlequin Behaviour

A good egg layer with stains ranging from a respectable 100 to a superb 200 eggs a year, the carcase is big enough for the table as well. It is docile and placid and doesn't fly and is happy to stay in the orchard or garden where it forages enthusiastically for insects. It has a high libido so don't keep more than one drake in a pen or the females will be damaged. It is classified as a light breed.

Welsh Harlequin Status

Fairly common (but do check the markings are in accordance with the breed standard).

Welsh Harlequin Pictures

Latest Reviews For Welsh Harlequin (4 of 4)

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So much fun! - Janet, 10 July 2024

I’ve raised mine since two days old. They are only three weeks now but I can already see different personalities between each of the three girls and one drake. They are becoming more friendly by the day! I researched which breed of duck to raise for my family as pets and this breed not only had the best traits for us, they are the most beautiful I have ever seen!

My grandads breed - Jacqueline, 11 July 2021

Absolutely love this breed. They are my grandad Leslie Bonnet’s original breed duck. So beautiful and so friendly. I’m so proud to have bought back his land where they were first developed and hope to see them thrive for generations to come.

AMAZING BREED! - Charlotte, Cumbria, 6 November 2016

Welsh Harlequins are my favourite breed of poultry! I have found that they even out lay my Khaki Campbells! VERY tame and will follow me around the garden and jump onto your knee for hugs. They even follow me inside my kitchen! Gorgeous to look at and quite a quiet breed. Welsh Harlequins are a rare breed and deserve some more recognition as they are truly stunning :) I keep mine as pets, although I also breed and show them. I would recommend them to anyone, anyday.

Gorgeous ducks - Ellee, 3 June 2016

Absolutely love these ducks, definitely my favourite breed. Very pretty, petite ducks that a really friendly and will feed out your hand. They will destroy the garden though, but worth it!