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Muscovy duck

Cairina moschata

Photo by Carolina
Published on Project Noah
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10.9861, -74.7703

Field Notes

Description:

The Muscovy Ducks are large, and usually domesticated ducks, that doesn’t swim as often as other ducks due to their underdeveloped oil glands.

Habitat:

They prefer 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.

Reference Links:

EOL: Cairina moschata

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (16)
Smith Zoo
Now there is a duck you don't see every day. Eccentric.
DanielePralong
Thank you very much Atul and all. It's a variation of Muscovy I hadn't seen before. Learning everyday on Noah!
Carolina
These one has similar colors http://featheryfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/brown-phase-muscovy-ducks.html
Atul
yes definitely there is a variation from brown to black to grey but it would always be a mix of these colors with white
Michelle Parish
There are several common color combinations of the Muscovy... one is pied, which this one could very well be. Here is a reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovy_Duck
Carolina
And what about the body plumage, Atul?
Atul
I wouldnt call it a hybrid though.
Atul
well Carolina Looks like a Muscovy duck to me too.The Warts on their faces do differ in size and shape.
Carolina
I'll ask her, thank you Daniele!
DanielePralong
Well the head is typical of the Muscovy duck, found in many farmyards, but the body plumage is totally different. I know Muscovys can hybridize with mallards, but I am not sure about this one. I hope someone will have a better idea! lori.tas is very knowledgeable about domestic ducks!
Carolina
That's interesting! Do you know with what kind of duck it was crossed?
DanielePralong
Hola Carolina!This looks like a Muscovy duck hybrid to me...

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Birds of the World
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2011 Best Wildlife Photo
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Birds of Colombia

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 10, 2011

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