Cairina moschata
The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) is a striking and unmistakable waterfowl species, recognized by its large, heavy-bodied appearance and distinctive carunculated face. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) with a length of 34 inches (86 cm) and a wingspan up to 60 inches (152 cm), while females are roughly half that size. Wild-type Muscovies are predominantly black with an iridescent green and purple sheen, prominently displaying large white patches ...
Muscovy Ducks primarily inhabit forested wetlands, swamps, and marshes, often favoring areas with dense tree cover for roosting and nesting, and open water for foraging. They are typically found in lowland tropical and subtropical regions, but can occur up to moderate elevations in their native r...
An omnivorous species, Muscovy Ducks feed on a wide variety of items including aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, seeds, grains, small invertebrates (insects, crustaceans), and occasionally small vertebrates like fish and amphibians. They forage by grazing, dabbling, and gleaning from land and s...
Muscovy Ducks are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging and resting, often roosting in trees, especially over water, for safety at night. Their foraging strategies are varied, including dabbling and up-ending in shallow water, grazing on land, and gleaning seeds or insects from vegetati...
The native breeding range of the Muscovy Duck extends across tropical and subtropical lowlands from Mexico through Central America, and into South America, primarily east of the Andes, reaching as far south as northern Argentina and Uruguay. Within this native range, they are largely resident, ex...
Least Concern
- The Muscovy Duck is the only duck species native to the Americas that has been widely domesticated, primarily for meat and eggs. - Despite their name, they are not closely related to the traditional "river ducks" (Anas) or "sea ducks" but are more genetically distinct, sometimes considered a di...