| Conservation status | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Distribution | Scotland |
| Use | eggs |
| Egg colour | white/grey |
| Classification | |
| EE | no[3] |
| PCGB | no[4] |
| |
TheShetland is a Britishbreed ofdomestic duck originating in theShetland Islands of northern Scotland. It is critically endangered. It is not recognised by thePoultry Club of Great Britain or by theEntente Européenne,[5]: 457 [3] but falls under theBritish Waterfowl Association.[5]: 457 It is one of the sixteen native British duck breeds whoseconservation status was listed as "priority" by theRare Breeds Survival Trust in 2025–2026, and one of threeShetland breeds identified as of concern on that list.[6]
The Shetland is a traditional breed of theShetland Islands of northern Scotland. In 2002 the total number of the ducks was estimated at60–100 birds. No population data has been reported since then toDAD-IS, where in 2025 itsconservation status was listed as "unknown".[2] Like all native British duck breeds, it was listed as "priority" on the 2025–2026 watchlist of theRare Breeds Survival Trust.[7]
The Shetland is a small, hardy breed; it is active and forages well.[7] It is similar in appearance to the black (undiluted) variant of the Swedish Blue, with black plumage where the Blue Swedish has blue;[5]: 457 [8]: 489 the black plumage has glossy green and blue lights in it.[7] The birds usually have a white bib, and may have some white on the head; they may become paler as they age, in some cases turning almost entirely white.[7] The bill and legs are black in the duck: in the drake, the legs may carry some orange, and the bill may be tinged with yellow.[7]
The Shetland is a good layer; the eggs are of a good size and range in colour from white to grey.[7]