Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata

The Muscovy Duck is a large duck native to Mexico, Central and South America, and extreme southern Texas. In Tennessee, it is an exotic, non-native species that occasionally breeds in the state.

Description: The feral Muscovy Duck that is found in Tennessee has numerous color variations, but usually has patches of white on the head and body, and a red warty face. The domestic Muscovy is white overall with a red face.

Habitat: Farm ponds and other lakes/reservoirs where domesticated Mallards and other geese are found.

Status in Tennessee: Fairly regularly found across Tennessee, although it is an exotic bird not native to Tennessee.

Consider using the online bird checklist program at eBird to help us understand bird populations and distributions in Tennessee. Click here to see how.