Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
66cm to 84cm
Wingspan
137cm to 152cm
Weight
2kg to 4kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Muscovy Duck. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst capable of flight and tree perching, the Muscovy Duck is notably heavy-bodied and prefers waddling to aerial manoeuvres. Their ability to navigate both aquatic and terrestrial environments shows decent agility, though they're not particularly nimble compared to other waterfowl.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These are remarkably strong birds, particularly for waterfowl. Their large size (up to 4kg) and ability to perch in trees despite their heavy build demonstrates significant muscular strength. Males especially possess robust physical capabilities needed for territorial defence.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Muscovy Ducks exhibit excellent adaptability, thriving in various habitats from forest wetlands to urban parks. Their omnivorous diet, ability to forage both on land and in water, and successful colonisation of new territories showcase their remarkable adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Though not overtly aggressive, Muscovy Ducks can display territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season. Males will defend their territory and mates, but they're generally quiet and peaceful compared to many waterfowl species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their robust build and ability to survive in diverse conditions indicates strong endurance. They can undertake sustained foraging sessions and, whilst not frequent flyers, possess the stamina needed for their varied activities including swimming, walking, and occasional flight.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
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.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Cairina moschata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680061A131911211.
View source - 3
report, 2006: Wetlands International
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source
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