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 Moscovy 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.
For more information:
Ducks Unlimited
Consider using the online bird checklist program at eBird to help us understand bird populations and distributions in Tennessee. Click here to see how.
