Muscovy Duck

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) 

Notes: A year-round Florida resident. Naturally ocurring in Central and South America, it is a non-native duck that has been released in urban parks, ponds and lakes. Nests at base of trees and roosts in tress at nigth, like Wood Ducks. Not uncommon to nest near human dwelling under shrubbery. Can be very aggresive.

Male: Wide range of color patterns from a glossy green-black to all white, with some being black and white (pied). Large bumpy patch of flesh, often red, around eyes and base of bill. Usually has a white wing patch, seen when perched and in flight.

Female: smaller than male, lacking the bumpy skin patch.

Juvenile: same as adult, lacks the bumpy skin patch and white wing patch.