moscovita

Bird Name: The bird of discussion is commonly known as the Muscovy Duck. Its scientific name is Cairina moschata.

Appearance: The Muscovy Duck is a large bird species that is distinctive in appearance. Male Muscovy Ducks have dark, glossy feathers, often with iridescent green and purple hues. They usually have large white patches on the wings, but their belly and tail feathers are black. Males also have noticeable caruncles or wart-like bulges, which are red, positioned around the base of their bill. The females have similar coloration but are less glossy, with smaller white patches and fewer caruncles around the bill.

Size: Muscovy Ducks are sizable birds, with males growing up to 76 cm (30 inches), while females are slightly smaller, reaching lengths of up to 64 cm (25 inches). Males have a wingspan of approximately 154 cm (61 inches), whereas females have a somewhat smaller wingspan. The males also weigh more, ranging from 3.6 to 6.8 kilograms (8 to 15 pounds). Females are lighter, weighing 2.7 to 3.6 kg (6 to 8 pounds).

Habitat & Distribution: Indigenous to Mexico, Central, and South America, the species has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. Muscovy Ducks prefer habitats near water bodies and are generally found in swampy forests, ponds, and riverside environments.

Interesting Facts: Despite being called ducks, Muscovy Ducks are not true ducks but are closer to geese genetically. Unlike many other waterfowl, they will perch and roost in trees. Also, they have strong claws that they use to grip branches and roost. The Muscovy Duck’s hissing sound as a vocalization is distinctive since most other duck species quack.

Diet: Muscovy Ducks are omnivorous. They feed on a diet that includes plant material, insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. Additionally, they eat grains, seeds, roots, stems, and also search for small fish or crustaceans when foraging in water.

Behavior & Sounds: Muscovy Ducks are generally silent. Their most common vocalizations are a quiet hissing or cooing sound. These birds are known to display unique behaviors such as perching on tree branches. They also have distinctive courtship behaviors, where the male puffs up his feathers, lifts his wings, and moves his head up and down to attract the female.

Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Muscovy Duck is categorized as “Least Concern”. However, the wild populations are declining due to hunting, habitat loss, and interbreeding with feral and domesticated populations.

Lifespan: In the wild, Muscovy Ducks have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. However, under protected or captive conditions, they can live up to 20 years.

Additional Notes: Muscovy Ducks play an important role in their ecosystems as they help to control insect populations. They have been domesticated for centuries and used for meat by indigenous cultures in the Americas. The name “Muscovy” is misleading as the species has no connection to Moscow; it’s derived from the native American word “musco” meaning “black bird”.
They are often referred to as “Pato real” in Spanish, meaning “royal duck”. Interaction with humans varies, with some having negative seeing them as pests while others appreciating their contribution to insect control.