Pekin

Just over 100 years ago, the business of duck-raising took root among American farmers in California and parts of Long Island, New York. At one time, Long Island produced 60 percent of the Pekins sold in the United States and the term Long Island duck generally referred to the Pekin breed. Today, Long Island produces less than 10 percent of the nation’s Pekins and only birds raised in Long Island may be called Long Island ducks. Ducklings other than the Pekin are also produced in the United States, but in limited numbers from the domesticated Muscovy, mallard, and other imported breeds.