Muscovy Duck

Overview

Muscovy Duck: Large, usually domesticated duck; wild birds are dark with white wing patch that is visible in flight; domesticated birds occur in any mix of white and black. Crested head; bare face, may be black or red or a combination, has large wart-like knob at the base of the bill.

Range and Habitat

Muscovy Duck: Prefers forests near water where it roosts in trees at night and nests in tree cavities. Native to Mexico, Central, and South America. Wild birds are restricted to the lower Rio Grande valley. There is a large feral population in southern Florida and Texas.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Muscovy Duck doesn’t swim as often as other ducks due to their underdeveloped oil glands. The domesticated Muscovy is the only domestic duck not bred from mallard stock. They are also called the Common Duck, Forest Duck, and Greater Wood Duck. A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including "a brace of ducks", "flush of ducks", "paddling of ducks", "raft of ducks", and a "team of ducks."