At the University of York, one duck quite literally stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Meet Long Boi, a mallard and Indian Runner duck hybrid who has become a campus legend thanks to his unusual height and striking stance. Measuring about 70 centimeters (28 inches) tall, he towers over the average mallard, which typically reaches only about 24 inches in length.
No one knows exactly where Long Boi came from, but his dignified posture and long neck have made him unforgettable. Since 2019, he’s had his very own Instagram account, run by students, and even a line of merchandise — from T-shirts to mugs — celebrating his “heckin’ löngthy” charm.
But Long Boi is more than just tall. As biology student Natalia Kubala explained, his Indian Runner genes give him some fascinating advantages:
“He’s easy to spot because of his shape and size — that long neck, upright posture and unique run,” she wrote. “Unlike most ducks, who waddle, Indian Runners actually run, taking bigger strides in what’s called a ‘quickstep.’”
When he’s not strutting around, Long Boi spends his days mingling with other waterfowl by the campus lake, preening in the shade, or happily nibbling seeds straight from students’ hands.
Recently, Long Boi went viral after a Twitter post dramatically claimed he was the “tallest mallard duck to have ever lived,” supposedly over a meter tall (3.5 feet). In fact, he's perfectly average for an Indian Runner duck, who can range from 26 to 32 inches.
While that was a bit of an exaggeration — his size is perfectly normal for an Indian Runner — the fame only added to his legend.
Whether he’s grazing by the water or showing off his elegant stride, Long Boi has brought endless joy to the students who adore him. And in the process, he’s proven that sometimes being a little “different” is what makes you unforgettable.
To learn more about Long Boi's exploits, you can follow him on Instagram.
