15 Ducks With Mohawks (including Pictures & ID Guides)
The mohawk is one of the most recognizable hairstyles in the world — bold, confident, and full of personality. Worn by everyone from rebels to rock stars, it has long symbolized individuality and strength. But did you know that some ducks are born with their own natural version of this iconic style?
In the duck world, these feathered hairstyles are called crests, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some ducks wear theirs neatly like a royal crown, while others sport wild, spiky looks that could rival any runway model.
Ducks with mohawks are truly eye-catching, and if you’ve ever wondered which ones wear this stylish look best, here are some of the most striking duck species and breeds that do.
1. Common Merganser
If you’re a duck lover, the first ducks that probably come to mind when thinking of those with mohawks are the mergansers. So it’s only fair that we start our list with the well-known Common Merganser, a sleek duck that proudly shows off its stylish crest. These ducks have a smooth, low “mohawk” made of fine head feathers that flow neatly behind the head, giving them a stylish, windswept look. The males look dapper in their white and black plumage with a greenish-black head, while the females show off that rusty crest and calm gray body. They’re excellent divers, often seen gliding on rivers and lakes before suddenly disappearing underwater to catch fish.
2. Hooded Merganser
The Hooded Merganser is one of the most eye-catching ducks in North America—and its mohawk is its signature feature! Both males and females can raise or lower their crests, but the male steals the show with a bold white fan-shaped patch that pops out when the crest is raised. When he shows it off, it looks just like a fancy hood or wide mohawk. These small fish-eating ducks are quick divers, darting under the water in search of their next meal.
3. Red-breasted Merganser
The Red-breasted Merganser wears one of the wildest mohawks in the duck world. The male’s long, spiky black crest sticks out in every direction, giving him a punk-rock look. His rusty chest and green-shimmering head make him stand out on the water. The female’s crest is shorter but still gives her a scruffy charm. These ducks are built for speed and love chasing fish underwater.
4. Scaly-sided Merganser
The Scaly-sided Merganser is a rare and stunning duck from East Asia, named for the delicate scale-like pattern on its sides. What catches the eye first, though, is its crest—a line of fine, wispy feathers that trail down the back of the head like a silky mohawk. The male looks especially fancy with his shiny black head and neck, while the female’s shorter crest gives her a neat, gentle look. These ducks prefer fast-flowing rivers and are a special find for birdwatchers lucky enough to see them.
5. Brazilian Merganser
The Brazilian Merganser is one of the rarest ducks in the world—and it wears its mohawk proudly. This long, dark-green crest flows smoothly from the back of its shiny head, giving it a sharp, elegant look as it glides along clear rivers. Both males and females have crests, though the female’s is a bit shorter and softer. They’re quiet ducks that love fast-moving streams, diving quickly to catch fish with their long, thin bills. If you ever see one, you’re very lucky—these secretive “river mohawk” ducks are rarely spotted even by experienced birdwatchers.
6. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck is easy to recognize by the little tuft of feathers sticking up at the back of its head—its very own neat mohawk! Males are glossy black with white sides and bright yellow eyes that gleam like marbles, while females are chocolate brown with a smaller crest. These diving ducks are often seen on lakes and ponds, disappearing underwater in search of plants and insects. When the light hits their head feathers just right, that spiky tuft shines and makes them stand out from other ducks.
7. Crested Duck
The Domestic Crested Duck looks like it’s wearing a feathery hat or a big round mohawk on top of its head. This soft puff of feathers can be small or huge, making each duck look a little different—and quite funny! Crested Ducks can come in many colors, from white to black to mixed shades, and they’re often kept on farms or in gardens because of their charming looks. Even though the crest is just a fancy bunch of feathers, it gives these ducks a personality all their own—like they’re ready for a costume parade every day.
8. Smew Duck
The Smew Duck is a striking little diver, often described as the “panda duck” for its bold black-and-white plumage. Adult males have a beautiful pattern that looks like cracked ice, with a neat white crest on the head. Females and young males, called “redhead smews,” wear a softer look—grey bodies with chestnut heads and white cheeks. Their slender, serrated bills are perfectly shaped for catching fish underwater. Smews are expert divers, disappearing in a flash to chase small fish through icy northern waters. They may be small, but their crisp, clean markings make them one of the most elegant ducks in winter landscapes.
9. Bali Duck
The Bali Duck, also known as the Balinese Crested Duck or Crested Runner Duck, is instantly recognizable for the tuft of feathers—like a fancy mohawk—on top of its head. It’s a lightweight domestic duck with a tall, upright stance similar to the Indian Runner, though slightly heavier and broader. Bali Ducks come in colors such as white, brown, and mallard-like shades, and they’re good egg layers, producing up to 250 blue-green or white eggs per year. While beautiful, the crest that makes them so charming also comes with a genetic risk—too much of the crest gene can cause health issues or even prevent ducklings from hatching. For this reason, breeders often mix crested and non-crested parents to produce healthy ducklings.
10. Wood Duck
The Wood Duck is one of the most dazzling ducks in North America. The male shines with a rainbow of iridescent colors—green, purple, bronze, and white—paired with striking red eyes and a slick crest that flows down its head like a perfect wave. Females have a more subtle beauty, with soft brown feathers, a white eye-ring, and a delicate crest of their own. These ducks often nest in tree cavities near lakes and ponds, and their ducklings make daring leaps from the nest to the ground just hours after hatching.
11. Mandarin Duck
The Mandarin Duck is the Wood Duck’s colorful cousin from Asia, famous for its breathtaking plumage and mohawk-like crest. The male wears an emerald-green forehead, a rich purplish crest, and two bright orange “sail” feathers that stand up like tiny flags. Its chest glows purple with white bars, and its sides shimmer in warm ruddy tones. The female, in contrast, is soft grey-brown with a delicate white eye-ring and stripe. Both sexes have crests, but the male’s is more showy and ornate. After the breeding season, the male molts into eclipse plumage, looking more like the female until the next spring. Mandarin Ducks are symbols of love and fidelity in Chinese culture—often seen in pairs, as if they truly belong together.
12. Red-Crested Pochard
The Red-Crested Pochard is a large, handsome diving duck that looks like it’s wearing a bright orange mohawk! The male’s head is puffy and round, with soft, fuzzy feathers that can stand up when he’s alert or showing off. His red bill and jet-black chest make him stand out beautifully against the white flanks and brown back. Females are softer in color—pale brown with a creamy face—but still elegant. These ducks love calm lakes and wetlands, where they dive for plants or tip up like dabbling ducks. In winter, they gather in big flocks, often mixing with other diving ducks, making them a joy to spot for birdwatchers.
13. Patagonian Crested Duck
The Patagonian Crested Duck wears its mohawk proudly! This medium-sized duck has a short, dark crest that sits neatly on the back of its head, giving it a cool, windswept look. Its body is a mix of brown and grey feathers with a mottled pattern, and its red eyes shine against its dark face. Males and females look much alike, though young ducks have smaller or no crests at all. These ducks live in southern South America, where they waddle along shorelines and swim in quiet lakes. With their calm nature and smart looks, Patagonian Crested Ducks are a favorite among bird lovers exploring Patagonia.
14. Maned Duck
The Maned Duck, also known as the Australian Wood Duck, gets its name from the crest of dark feathers flowing down the back of the male’s head—like a small mohawk or mane! The male has a chocolate-brown head, grey body, and finely striped sides, while the female has soft mottled feathers and white face stripes. These ducks are often seen walking on grassy fields or near ponds, grazing in pairs or family groups. Unlike many ducks, they spend more time on land than in water, making them easy to spot strutting about with their neat little crests catching the sunlight.
15. Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy Duck is full of personality—and its mohawk adds to the charm! Both males and females have a crest of feathers on their heads that can puff up when they’re excited, curious, or showing off. Drakes usually have larger crests and bright red, bumpy skin (called caruncles) around the face, giving them a bold, unmistakable look. Muscovies come in many colors—black, white, or a mix of both—and they’re known for their quiet nature and gentle hiss instead of a typical quack.