Cairina moschata
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.
Length
66cm to 84cm
Wingspan
137cm to 152cm
Weight
2kg to 4kg
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
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:
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