Latin Etymology: Cairina ("of Cairo") moschata (muscovy, though of unclear origin - see text)
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025
Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 1.25-4kg / Length: 71-84cm / Wingspan: 137-152cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
While the Muscovy Duck is widely spread across Central and South America, it is perhaps more familiar to many as a domesticated species reared for it's meat since Pre-Columbian times, but can now be found worldwide in farms, and in places, as a result feral populations. They are capable of producing exceptionally large clutch sizes of up to 16 eggs. Feral birds often have white or piebald plumage but wild birds only have white on the wings. The origin of why they are called "Muscovy" is unclear as they have no natural connection to Moscow, and several theories have been presented as to how this would have come about.
Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cairina
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic
- Sighting Locations -
A widespread resident of lowland wetlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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