Muscovy Duck

The Muscovy duck is native to Mexico and Central and South America, with wild populations extending into southern Texas. Domestication has produced introduced and feral populations in colder parts of North America and Europe. Wild birds prefer forested landscapes near rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and bogs. They roost in trees and nest in elevated cavities. Adults measure 66–84 cm, span 137–152 cm, and weigh 2.7–6.8 kg. Males are larger and carry prominent red facial caruncles. (Animal Diversity Web)

Muscovy ducks are omnivores, eating plant roots, stems, leaves, and seeds together with fish, small reptiles, insects, crustaceans, millipedes, termites, and mollusks. They obtain food by grazing and dabbling. Their mating system is polygynous, with dominant males displaying their crests and holding territories containing nesting females. A female builds a cavity nest and lays approximately eight to ten eggs per attempt. She alone performs the 33–35-day incubation and protects and instructs the ducklings until they become independent. (Animal Diversity Web)