Muscovy Duck

The Muscovy Duck is native to wooded wetlands and rivers of tropical Central and South America in its wild form, but it is also one of the world's most widely domesticated waterfowl, with feral and farmyard populations showing enormous plumage variation found in parks, farms, and urban ponds well outside its native range.

Wild-type body feathers are glossy black with an iridescent green and purple sheen, and a white patch marks the upperwing coverts, showing as a bright block in flight or on the folded wing. Feathers are notably broad and the bird is large-bodied, with males considerably bigger than females and correspondingly larger feathers. Domestic and feral birds, however, have been selectively bred for centuries and commonly show pied patterns mixing white, black, and sometimes buff feathering in no fixed pattern, so plumage alone is unreliable for identifying feral individuals—overall size, bill shape, and caruncled (warty) facial skin in males are better clues.

Sexes share the same basic pattern, but males are substantially larger with more prominent caruncled facial skin. Juveniles are duller. Feral and domestic populations show wide variation in plumage color due to generations of selective breeding, from all-white to all-black to strongly pied.

Native to wooded swamps, rivers, and lowland wetlands of tropical Mexico, Central America, and South America, where wild birds typically roost and nest in trees. Domesticated and feral populations are found worldwide around farms, parks, and urban ponds.

An omnivorous forager taking plant material as well as small aquatic animals. Nests and roosts in tree cavities, an unusual trait shared with few other duck species. Largely non-migratory. Rather than quacking, it communicates mainly with soft hisses and low grunting sounds.