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The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a duck native to the Americas, from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Mexico south to Argentina and Uruguay. Feral Muscovy ducks are found in New Zealand, Australia, and in Central and Eastern Europe.
Muscovy Ducks are a wild tropical duck species native to Mexico as well as Central and South Americas. They were domesticated by the natives in these areas a long time ago. The ducks later established themselves in various parts of North America including the United States.
Their plumage can be extremely variable, but look for the largest, longest-necked ducks and check their faces for red, warty facial skin. If you want to see a truly wild Muscovy Duck, visit the Rio Grande Valley of Texas or forested wetlands in Mexico and the tropical Americas.
Muscovy ducks are large ducks, averaging 4.3 kilograms (9 lbs.) with a typical wingspan between 137- 154 centimeters (54- 61 in). Males are generally larger than females. Muscovy ducks have red, fleshy protuberances on the face while their plumage is brownish-black with iridescent green and purple and white wing patches.
Muscovy Duck. Adult (domestic type). Photo: Allan Hack/Flickr (CC ND BY 2.0) At a Glance. Most birders know the Muscovy only from having seen the dumpy domesticated version. Wild Muscovies, native to the American tropics, are wary, fast-flying birds of wooded rivers and swamps.
Muscovy Ducks are large, heavy-bodied ducks with long necks that can make them look like small geese. They have a fairly long bill that slopes smoothly up to the forehead. The tail is fairly long. Males are larger than females; domesticated individuals are often larger than wild.
The strange, warty-faced Muscovy Duck causes confusion for some bird watchers, as it's very distinctive and quite commonly seen, yet does not appear in some field guides. Truly wild individuals are restricted to south Texas and points south, but domesticated versions occur in parks and farms across much of North America.
The Muscovy duck is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 64 inches. They are pretty hefty and can weigh up to 15 pounds. However, females are smaller and weigh between 6 to 7 pounds. They have a wide and long body with males measuring around 30 inches and outspread, flat tails.
Large, hefty duck that has wild and domestic types. Wild birds are dark blackish overall with iridescent green and bronze, especially on the wings. Look for bold white wing patches in flight and red warts on the face (more extensive on males).
Wild muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are native to Central America and South America, and have expanded their natural range to parts of Texas. In Florida, feral muscovy ducks can be found on urban and suburban lakes and on farms throughout the state.