Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Muscovy Duck
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Cairina moschata
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How to recognize it
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Large dark duck, drake much bulkier than female
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Red fleshy caruncles on face, around bill and eyes
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Large white wing patches, more obvious in flight
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Low breathy call; heavy walk, often stays near water
About the species
The Muscovy Duck looks sturdy and familiar, and in wild individuals the dark plumage with only a few white feathers is especially noticeable, along with the red, fleshy growths on the head. Domesticated ones can look much more varied, so their appearance is less predictable.
It is not a loud duck and usually comes across as fairly calm. Females incubate the eggs for about five weeks, and the mother later stays close to the young and protects them for a long time.
It is a warm-climate species native to Mexico and South America, later spread by people to other regions. It eats both plant food and animal prey, and domesticated ones avoid cold water rather than seeking it.
Where to find
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Along quiet pond and canal edges — especially by reed beds, where it probes the shallows with its bill.
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At old park ponds with overhanging trees — adults often come ashore to graze on the grass near the water.
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In residential courtyards with low shrubs and sheltered corners — look for resting ducks tucked under ledges or in shade after feeding.
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On embankments with dense shoreline vegetation — it stands out by a low, husky call and slow waddling along the bank.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Cairina moschata Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Muscovy duck Encyclopedia article