🔍 Muscovy Duck | Cairina moschata 🦆
📍 San Sebastián, San José, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
💬 Despite being called “Muscovy,” this duck has no connection to Moscow — the name’s origin remains a mystery! Wild Muscovy Ducks are actually native to the Americas and are one of the few duck species domesticated outside of the mallard lineage.
Fauna
Muscovy Duck | Cairina moschata
Basic ID
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Coloration
Predominantly black and white plumage; iridescent green and purple sheen on wings; red caruncles on face
Lifespan
8–12 years
Size
Length
66–84 cm (26–33 in)
Weight
1.1–4.1 kg (2.4–9 lbs)
Wingspan
Habitat & Behavior
Native Range
Mexico, Central America, and South America
Habitat Type
Tropical and subtropical wetlands, rivers, urban parks, drainage canals
Diet
Plant matter, seeds, insects, small fish, crustaceans
Activity Pattern
Diurnal; forages along waterways and open ground
Sources: IUCN Red List · Encyclopedia of Life · GBIF · Catalogue of Life