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.
 
 
 
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!
 
 
Juveniles huddle together against the winter cold.