Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Cairina moschata
| ITIS TSN: | 175246 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Aquatic; Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Central and South America, Mexico, and extreme South Texas |
Human Health
The droppings of Muscovy ducks contaminate waterways. These birds can also be aggressive and may bite young children (Johnson 2009).Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, this species is not prohibited by the TPWD.Introduction Pathways
Muscovy ducks were intentionally introduced to urban parks and lakes.Geographic Distribution
Muscovy ducks are located in 19 states in the U.S., including Texas. This species is known to occur in all five counties of the Lower Galveston Bay watershed (Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, and Liberty) (Johnson 2009).Specific Primary Habitats
In introduced habitats Muscovy ducks dig shallow nests on the ground. They are most commonly found in large flocks near urban parks and lakes, and also around zoos, in neighborhoods, and near farms (Johnson 2009).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
These large flocks create large sources of fecal matter, compromising water quality in nearby waterways and decreasing the aesthetic value of parks and lakes. Additionally, these ducks may host and pass diseases to native ducks (Johnson 2009).Physical Description
Muscovy ducks are large, with males weighing from 10-15 pounds (lbs) and females weighing 5-10 lbs, with long, flat tails and large claws. They can be solid white or black, or have a mottled appearance. Ducklings are yellow with brown on its tail and wings. Male Muscovy ducks have a red fleshy outgrowth (caruncle) over their eyes and at the base of the bill. The calling sounds of the Muscovy duck are atypical of most duck species. The male's call is a loud, dry hiss, and the female's is a quiet coo (Johnson 2009).Reproduction Characteristics
In the spring and early summer, female Muscovy ducks lay 8-16 eggs which are cream in color. Eggs are incubated for 5 weeks (Johnson 2009). Upon hatching, the young are cared for by the hen. Mothers do not feed the juveniles, but lead them to locations where they feed on their own.Feeding
Muscovy ducks feed on insects, termites, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, seeds, acorns, small fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and human provided food (USFWS 2010).Control
Feeding by humans is the primary reason these ducks are associated with urban and suburban habitats, thus programs to discourage the feeding of Muscovy ducks may be an effective control method for this species.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Male (on right) and female (on left) Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata). Photo courtesy of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. |
 Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) in Texas, USA. The male is on the left and female on right. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. |
 Close-up of the prominent face caruncles of a male (right) and female (left) Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata). The male is engaged in social grooming. Photo courtesy of Mila Zinkova, Wikimedia Commons. |