Bird · GBIF taxon 9751099
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataAlso known as Barbary Duck, Musky Duck, Forest Duck
Muscovy ducks are heavy-bodied waterfowl recognized by the fleshy red caruncles framing their faces and prominent white patches on their wing coverts. Wild populations nest in tree cavities along tropical river swamps, while feral and domestic birds thrive in urban parks and residential canals. Drakes produce a soft, low hiss rather than a typical duck quack, communicating through rhythmic head-bobbing and tail-wagging displays.
WaterfowlTree-nestingFeral Population
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Vegetation
- Insects
- Small Fish
Predators
- Alligators
- Coyotes
- Large Birds of Prey
ThreatsDeforestation in native tropical ranges and coastal wetland drainage
HabitatsWetlands, forested rivers, swamps, suburban ponds, agricultural land
Life span8–12 years in the wild (up to 15 years in captivity)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAnseriformes
- FamilyAnatidae
- GenusCairina
- SpeciesCairina moschata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May scratch with sharp claws or nip if cornered or defending ducklings; observe from a polite distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch for rhythmic head-bobbing and low hissed vocalizations between individuals.
- Feeding Practices: Avoid feeding bread, sticking to grains or natural waterfowl feed where permitted.
- Brood Etiquette: Keep a respectful distance from mothers with young, as drakes and hens protect ducklings.
Suburban Competitor This picture was realized by Richard Bartz by using a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Cavity-Nesting Neighbor (c) cello caruso-turiello, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by cello caruso-turiello · cc-by
Tree-Nesting Relative Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnwWildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) SandyCole, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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