Muscovy

The domestic Muscovy is the farm form of Cairina moschata, a duck species separate from the mallard-derived domestic ducks. Its wild ancestors come from the tropical Americas, and domestication occurred long before European contact. Muscovies are recognized by the bare, often red caruncles on the face, clawed feet, long tail, and quiet hissing or trilling voice instead of a loud quack. Drakes are much larger than females, and colors range from black-and-white pied to chocolate, blue, lavender, and solid white in domestic lines.

Muscovies are kept for lean meat, broody hens, insect foraging, and quiet backyard flocks. They perch and nest more readily than many domestic ducks, and females can fly well, so fencing, covered runs, or careful wing management may be needed where allowed. Cold climates require attention to frostbite on the caruncles, while warm regions may have restrictions because escaped birds can establish feral populations. Large drakes need sensible breeding ratios and space so hens are not overmated. Crossing Muscovies with mallard-derived ducks produces sterile mulards.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Fawn, Gray, Lavender, Magpie, Mallard, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White