Psilos
Wildfowl Photography |
Muscovey Duck (Cairina moschata) |
This is quite a common but not readily
recognised duck. Usually described by those who see it as "a very
strange looking duck"I can almost guarantee it will be a Muscovey
duck. It is a very awkward looking duck, walking with a limping gait.
Domestication has resulted in all kinds of colour variation. |
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This duck however can often be found wild
on lakes and ponds where it mixes readily with other ducks. Another
strange thing about this duck is that it has no vocal cords so that
it cannot quack. Instead it makes a hissing noise. It originates from
South America where it was domesticated. It also marked itself apart
from other ducks as it did not lay down fat to keep it warm so it had
more meat on its breast. Attempts to cross this duck has resulted in
the Moulard duck (MuscovyXPeking duck) Its diet consists of vegetation
and insects. |
During the winter of 2004 our local park
brought in some juveniles. Here they are in the photo below huddling
together against the winter cold. The last photo shows them four months
later and they have really have grown! |
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Juveniles huddle together against the winter cold.
