About the Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy duck is a species of duck native to the Americas, from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Mexico south to Argentina and Uruguay. The species has been domesticated, and feral Muscovy ducks can be found locally in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and in Central and Eastern Europe.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It is a large duck, with the males significantly larger than the females. The males are 76–84 cm (30–33 in) long and weigh up to 3–4 kg (6.6–8.8 lb); females are 71–76 cm (28–30 in) long and 1.25 kg (2.8 lb) weight, roughly half the weight of the males. The wingspan is from 137 to 152 cm (54 to 60 in). The plumage is predominantly black, with large white patches on the wing; the back and wing feathers being iridescent and glossy in males, while the females are more drab. Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide, flat tail. On the head, the male has a short crest on the nape.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Luxembourg, Morocco, Botswana, Namibia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, St. Kitts & Nevis, Iran, Tajikistan, Guam, Mayotte, São Tomé & Príncipe, Zambia, Sweden, Cook Islands, Wallis & Futuna.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black SwanCygnus atratusBlack swans are black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers.
Mottled DuckAnas fulvigulaThe adult mottled duck is 44 to 61 cm (17–24 in) long from head to tail.
Black ScoterMelanitta americanaThis large sea duck is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill.
Side by side: Maned Duck vs Muscovy Duck · Black Swan vs Muscovy Duck · Mottled Duck vs Muscovy Duck · Black Scoter vs Muscovy Duck
Learn the Muscovy Duck for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.