Muscovy Duck Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Muscovy Ducks are large, heavy-bodied ducks with long necks that can make them look like small geese. They have a fairly long bill that slopes smoothly up to the forehead. The tail is fairly long. Males are larger than females; domesticated individuals are often larger than wild.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Mallard; smaller than a Canada Goose.

  between crow and goose

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 26.0-33.1 in (66-84 cm)
    • Weight: 70.2-141.1 oz (1990-4000 g)
    • Wingspan: 53.9-59.8 in (137-152 cm)

  © Jason Leifester / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Wild Muscovy Ducks are mostly black. Adult males have large white patches on the wings; juveniles show much smaller white wing patches. In good light, the black feathers can show a greenish gloss. Domesticated and feral Muscovy Ducks can have variable large patches of white to brown. Muscovy Ducks have red facial skin with odd warty growths.

• Behavior

  Wild Muscovy Ducks are wary birds that feed by dabbling in shallow wetlands. Domesticated individuals can be common at urban parks, where they mix with other ducks and take handouts from park visitors.

• Habitat

  Wild Muscovy Ducks live in forested wetlands and nest in tree cavities. They forage in shallow wetlands, ponds, and lagoons. Domesticated ducks can be common on farms and in parks.