Species Profile
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
8–10 years
Length
66–84 cm
Weight
2000–4000 g
Wingspan
137–152 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Barbary Duck, Forest Duck
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Appearance
The Muscovy Duck is a large, heavy-bodied waterfowl with a distinctive red, warty face and a low-carried head. Males are predominantly black with white wing patches, while females are smaller (around half the size) and browner.
Both sexes have a crest that can be raised or lowered, and their plumage often shows iridescent green and purple hues in sunlight. Juveniles resemble females but lack the facial caruncles.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Green
- Beak
- Pink
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Less prominent facial caruncles
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Muscovy Ducks naturally inhabit forested areas near lakes, rivers, and swamps in Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. They prefer freshwater habitats with nearby trees for roosting and nesting.
In the United States, feral populations have been established in Florida, Texas, and other southern states. They are also found in urban parks and ponds across their range, adapting well to human-modified environments.
Distribution
Diet
Muscovy Ducks have an omnivorous diet, feeding on plant material, small fish, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects.
They use their broad, flat bills to strain food from water and mud and can often be seen grazing on land, consuming grass and other vegetation.
Behaviour
Muscovy Ducks are known for their quiet nature, rarely quacking like other ducks. They spend considerable time foraging on land, often seen perching in trees.
These ducks are generally less aquatic than other duck species, preferring to waddle on land or roost in branches.
Calls & Sounds
Unlike most ducks, Muscovy Ducks are relatively quiet. Males produce a low, breathy hiss or a soft puffing sound, while females make a quiet trilling call.
During courtship or when alarmed, they may emit a soft whistling noise.
Nesting & Breeding
Muscovy Ducks typically breed during the rainy season, with timing varying by location. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including head bobbing and tail wagging.
Females nest in tree cavities, on the ground in dense vegetation, or on human structures. They lay 8-16 cream-colored eggs and incubate them for about 35 days.
After hatching, ducklings remain with their mother for 10-12 weeks. They can fly at around 10 weeks of age but often stay with the family group for several months.
Conservation
While the Muscovy Duck is not globally threatened, habitat loss and hunting pose localized risks.
In some areas, feral populations of domesticated Muscovy Ducks interbreed with wild birds, potentially affecting the genetic integrity of wild populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Muscovy Ducks near freshwater ponds in urban parks
- Listen for their soft hissing or whistling sounds
- Observe their unique tree-perching behavior
- In the US, focus on areas in Florida and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas
Did You Know?
- Muscovy Ducks can fly despite their heavy build, though they prefer to walk or swim.
- They are the only domesticated duck species not derived from Mallards.
- Their name 'Muscovy' is thought to be a corruption of 'Muisca', an indigenous South American tribe.
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