General

Muscovy Duck: Large, usually domesticated duck; wild birds are all dark with white wing patch that is visible in flight; domesticated birds occur in any combination of white and black to iridescent black. Head is slightly crested; face is bare, may be black or red or a combination of the two, and has a pronounced wart-like caruncle at the base of the bill. Female is much smaller and duller; juvenile lacks caruncle.

Range and Habitat

Muscovy Duck: Prefers forest habitats near water; it roosts in trees at night and nests in tree cavities. Native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Wild birds are restricted to the lower Rio Grande valley. Within North America, there are large feral populations in southern Florida and Texas.

Breeding and Nesting

Muscovy Duck: Nest boxes or tree cavities are lined with little or no down, 9 to 60 feet above ground. Female incubates eight to ten white eggs, that have a green sheen, for 35 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Muscovy Duck: Feeds on vegatation by dabbling in ponds, lakes and, rivers. Eats insects and seeds found in grain fields.

Vocalization

Muscovy Duck: Mostly silent. Male hisses, female may "quack" or utter a gutteral "croak."

Similar Species

Muscovy Duck: Neotropic Cormorant has a more slender body, longer, thinner neck and tail, and lacks white patches on wings.