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Size & Shape
Muscovy Ducks are large, heavy-bodied ducks with long necks that
can make them look like small geese. They have a fairly long bill that slopes
smoothly up to the forehead. The tail is fairly long. Males are larger than
females; domesticated individuals are often larger than wild.
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Color Pattern
Wild Muscovy Ducks are mostly black. Adult males have large
white patches on the wings; juveniles show much smaller white wing patches. In
good light, the black feathers can show a greenish gloss. Domesticated and
feral Muscovy Ducks can have variable large patches of white to brown. Muscovy
Ducks have red facial skin with odd warty growths.
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Behavior
Wild Muscovy Ducks are wary birds that feed by dabbling in
shallow wetlands. Domesticated individuals can be common at urban parks, where
they mix with other ducks and take handouts from park visitors.
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Habitat
Wild Muscovy Ducks live in forested wetlands and nest in tree
cavities. They forage in shallow wetlands, ponds, and lagoons. Domesticated
ducks can be common on farms and in parks.