Basic Description
The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a large, unique and colorful waterfowl. The males are larger than the females, reaching up to 33 inches in length and weighing up to 15 pounds. Females, on the other hand, grow up to only 25 inches long and weigh around six pounds. They have black or brown feathers with iridescent green or purple highlights. These ducks also have distinctive red warty skin around their eyes.
Where To Find This Bird
Muscovy ducks are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America but can now be found all over the world as they were introduced in various countries for domestication purposes. In North America, Muscovy Ducks can be found in Florida where they’re considered non-native species that thrives well with warm weather conditions.
Habitat
Muscovy ducks prefer wetlands such as ponds, lakeshores or slow-moving rivers surrounded by trees since it provides them protection from predators like wild cats who hate venturing deep into thick vegetation cover. They can easily adapt their habitats based on available resources hence commonly seen living close to humans due to food availability.
Food
These birds eat a wide variety of foods including seeds , grains , fruits insects etc . Being omnivorous means that muscovies will eat almost anything edible which comes their way especially if supplied by human beings .
Cool Facts
Did you know that?
– Unlike most duck species these birds do not quack! They tend more towards hissing noises.
– Male muscovies make whistling sounds during flight
– Due to its taste Muscovy meat is considered one of delicacies across many cultures
– Musk oil used perfumes has been extracted from male muscovy ducks for centuries.
