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Fast Facts:
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Originating from Brazil, muscovies are the only domestic duck that has not been derived from a mallard.
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Muscovy ducks do not quack! The males will make a hissing sound, and females will make a sound similar to a squeak, but muscovies do not quack like Mallard derivatives.
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| Scientific Name
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Cairina moschata
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| Classification
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| Status
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Muscovies are mostly domesticated animals, so populations are stable.
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| Range
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Although wild specimens remain in South and Central America, muscovy ducks are more commonly found as domestic animals in these areas, as well as in North America and Europe.
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| Habitat
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Like most ducks, muscovies prefer ponds or lakes surrounded by cattails or other thick vegetation
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| Diet
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| Size
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The average weight of males is about 10 to 15 lbs., while a comparable female will weigh anywhere from 5 to 9 lbs.
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| Lifespan
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| Location
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Special Features
Muscovies do not swim as much as other varieties of duck, as their oil glands are not as developed.
Unlike other domestic ducks, most muscovies are not as adept at flying. Some young birds can get off the ground, but they rarely fly any distance or at any considerable height. It has been noted, however, that some individuals can fly quite well.
Muscovys are unique because of their bright red crest around their eyes and above the beak. Their feet are equipped with strong sharp claws for grabbing tree branches and roosting.
In the wild, the muscovies coloration is limited to black and white, but domesticated animals can be found in a variety of colors, including blue, blue and white, chocolate, chocolate and white, white, black, black and white, and lavender.
Nesting
Muscovy hens can set three times a year, and the egg clutches can vary from eight to 21 eggs. Incubation time for a muscovy is 35 days, as opposed to the 28 days required for mallard derivatives breeds.
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