Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata
Pato Real
Song
Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Muscovy duck weighs from 2.5 to 3.7 kg (6 to 8 lb) and measures 86 cm (34 in). They have a black plumage with large white patches on wings. Eyes are yellowish-brown. Male with short crest on the nape. Bill is black with some tones of pink, and its base shows a dark red knob. The bare skin of its face is red. Black legs and webbed feet with long claws. Tail is wide and flat. They exudate a musk smell. Sexual dimorphism evident in the plumage of the smaller female with dark brown or black feathers mixed with white on the head, as well as, lavender or all white. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or all-red face. Some may have blue eyes in a dark head.
Habitat: These ducks inhabit forested swamps and lakes near grasslands and roost in trees for nocturnal resting at elevations lower than 1000 m (3000 ft). They only quack in cases of extreme stress. They feed on plant material, small fish, and insects. Due to their weight they are consumed in restaurants.
Breeding: Males present a helical penis that erects to 20 cm (7.9 in) in 1/3 second. Whereas females present cloacas in the opposite direction that seems to have been evolved to limit forced copulation by males. The clutch consists of 8 to 16 white eggs that are incubated for 35 days.
Conservation: the Muscovy duckis classified as a species of "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Distribution
The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) is a large duck species that is native to the Americas. Over time, it has been introduced and established populations in various regions around the world. Here's some information about the localization of the Muscovy Duck:
Native Range: The Muscovy Duck is native to Central and South America, specifically found in the tropical and subtropical regions. Its natural range extends from southern Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina. It occurs naturally in wetland habitats, including tropical forests, marshes, rivers, and lakes.
Naturalized Populations: The Muscovy Duck has been introduced to several countries outside its native range. These introductions have led to naturalized populations in various parts of the world. Some of the countries where Muscovy Ducks can be found include:
- North America: The species can be found in parts of the United States, particularly in southern Florida and Texas, where it is considered invasive. It has also been introduced and established in parts of Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Europe: Muscovy Ducks can be found in several European countries, primarily as feral or semi-domesticated populations. They can be seen in regions such as the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. However, it's important to note that the species is not native to Europe.
- Asia: Muscovy Ducks have been introduced to various parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and the Philippines. They are also present in some Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Other Regions: Muscovy Ducks have been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and some African countries like South Africa and Mauritius.
The Muscovy Ducks are adaptable birds with a tendency to establish feral populations in areas with suitable habitats. Its introduction in some regions has led to concerns regarding potential ecological impacts, especially when they compete with native waterfowl species or interbreed with domestic duck populations.
Taxonomy
The Muscovy duck belongs to the taxonomic kingdom Animalia, the phylum Chordata, the class Aves (birds), the order Anseriformes (waterfowl), and the family Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans). Its scientific name is Cairina moschata.
Within the family Anatidae, the Muscovy duck belongs to the subfamily Anatinae, which includes dabbling ducks. However, it is worth noting that the Muscovy duck is not closely related to other ducks in the Anatinae subfamily.
Taxonomically, the Muscovy duck is considered to be in its own genus, Cairina, as it is the only recognized species within this genus. Therefore, its scientific name is Cairina moschata.
The complete taxonomy of the Muscovy duck can be summarized as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Subfamily: Anatinae
- Genus: Cairina
- Species: Cairina moschata
It is worth mentioning that within the species Cairina moschata, there are multiple subspecies and domesticated varieties that may exhibit slight variations in appearance and characteristics.
Vocalization
Muscovy ducks produce a variety of vocalizations, referred to as "calls" rather than "songs" since they are not known for melodious singing like some birds. These calls serve different purposes, including communication, expressing emotions, and maintaining social interactions. Here are a few common Muscovy duck vocalizations:
- Hissing: Males, in particular, are known for their distinctive hissing sounds, which they make by expelling air forcefully with their beaks. This hissing sound is often used as a territorial display or as a means of communication during courtship.
- Whistling: Muscovy ducks can emit a series of short whistling sounds, especially during moments of distress or agitation. This can include high-pitched whistles or quieter whistling sounds.
- Grunting: Muscovy ducks produce deep and throaty grunts, especially during interactions with other birds. These grunting sounds can be heard during aggressive encounters, mating rituals, or general social interactions.
- Chattering: Muscovy ducks can engage in chattering sounds, which can be described as a rapid series of vocalizations. This is often heard when ducks are in close proximity to one another and may serve as a form of general communication or social bonding.
The specific vocalizations and their meanings can vary among individual ducks, and some sounds may be unique to certain situations or contexts. These vocalizations are part of the duck's natural communication repertoire and contribute to their social dynamics and interactions.
