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Muscovy Duck

The Muscovy Duck (*Cairina moschata*) is a large perching duck native to wooded freshwater habitats in Central and South America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Muscovy Duck (*Cairina moschata*) is a large perching duck native to wooded freshwater habitats in Central and South America. It has also been domesticated and introduced in many other parts of the world. The species is known for its distinctive facial caruncles and is unusual among domestic ducks because it is not descended from the Mallard.

Description

Muscovy Ducks are large ducks with a distinctive appearance, including prominent facial caruncles. They are classified as perching ducks and are known for being different from most domestic duck breeds in their ancestry.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to wooded freshwater habitats in Central and South America. Its natural range reaches from the U.S.-Mexico border region south through parts of South America, and it has been introduced beyond that range. In Canada, the Muscovy Duck is an introduced and occasionally feral species.

Domestication

Muscovy Ducks were domesticated and are kept in domestic form in many places. They are unusual among domestic ducks because they are not derived from Mallard ancestry.

Behaviour and ecology

As a duck species adapted to freshwater environments, Muscovy Ducks use wooded wetlands and nearby water bodies. Sources describe them as perching ducks, reflecting their ability to roost in trees.

Key facts

  • A large perching duck in the family Anatidae.
  • Native to wooded freshwater habitats of Central and South America.
  • Notable for red facial caruncles.
  • Not descended from the Mallard, unlike most domestic duck breeds.
  • Domesticated and feral populations exist outside native range.
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Canadian context

Muscovy Ducks are of interest in Canada mainly as an introduced and occasionally feral species, rather than as a native bird.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Muscovy Duck?
A Muscovy Duck is a large duck species, *Cairina moschata*, native to the Americas and belonging to the family Anatidae.
Where are Muscovy Ducks native to?
They are native to wooded freshwater habitats in Central and South America, with a natural range extending from near the U.S.-Mexico border to northern Argentina and northern Uruguay.
Are Muscovy Ducks domesticated?
Yes. The species has been domesticated, and feral populations exist outside its native range.
How is a Muscovy Duck different from other domestic ducks?
Unlike most domestic duck breeds, Muscovy Ducks are not descended from Mallards.
What are the red growths on its face?
Those are facial caruncles, a distinctive feature of the species.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Muscovy-duck
    Supports: Scientific name, family, order, native habitat, and geographic range.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovy_duck
    Supports: Native range and presence of feral populations outside the native range.
  3. Oklahoma State University — https://breeds.okstate.edu/poultry/ducks/muscovy-ducks
    Supports: Domestication, distinction from Mallard ancestry, facial caruncles, and general breed characteristics.
  4. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Muscovy_Duck/id
    Supports: Physical description and identification features.