The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is not native to Florida. This large species of waterfowl has become a common sight in the state’s urban and suburban waterways. Although widely established, Muscovy ducks are considered a non-native species. Their presence is due to feral populations that originated from domestic stock.
True Geographic Origin
The Muscovy duck is indigenous to the Americas, but its native range does not include most of the United States. Its true range stretches across Central and South America, from Mexico south through countries like Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. A small, naturally occurring wild population is also native only to the extreme Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
The species was domesticated by Indigenous peoples in South America long before European arrival. This domestication, driven by their value for meat and eggs, led to their global distribution. The ducks found in Florida are descendants of these domesticated birds, not naturally migrating wild populations.
Identifying the Muscovy Duck
Muscovy ducks are easily distinguished from native Florida waterfowl by several physical characteristics. They are large and heavy-bodied; males typically weigh around 9 pounds and have a wingspan up to 61 inches. Their size and long neck can give them a goose-like appearance, differentiating them from smaller, native ducks.
The most distinctive feature is the red, fleshy, warty growths called caruncles located around the bill and eyes. These growths are more prominent in males, or drakes, and set them apart from other duck species. While the wild form is primarily black with iridescent sheen, feral populations in Florida often display variable plumage with large patches of white.
Another distinguishing trait is their quiet vocalization, which contrasts with the loud quacking of most native ducks. Males typically emit a quiet hiss or a low call, while females produce a soft trilling coo. They are also unique among ducks for having long claws on their webbed feet, allowing them to readily perch in trees.
Feral Population Establishment in Florida
Muscovy ducks were initially imported to Florida for use as poultry, pets, or ornamental waterfowl. Many of these domesticated birds either escaped captivity or were intentionally released into the environment. Florida’s warm, subtropical climate offered an ideal environment for the non-native species to thrive.
The lack of harsh winters allows them to breed throughout the year, preventing population die-offs common in cooler climates. Florida’s abundant urban and suburban waterways, such as retention ponds and canals, provide stable habitat and food sources. These self-sustaining populations are now widespread, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. Their success has led to their classification as an invasive species that competes with native waterfowl for resources.
Regulatory Status and Management
Muscovy ducks are classified as non-native Class III wildlife and are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A permit is required to possess them for exhibition or sale, but they may be kept as personal pets without one. The complexity of their status involves federal law concerning migratory birds.
Migratory birds are generally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a specific Control Order (50 CFR 21.54) for Muscovy ducks outside of their native range. This order removes federal protection for Florida’s feral populations, allowing for their management and removal. Landowners, tenants, or their agents are permitted to destroy Muscovy ducks, their nests, and eggs without federal or state permits when the birds cause a nuisance.
Florida Statute 379.231 makes it illegal to release Muscovy ducks into the wild, curbing the expansion of the feral population. If a Muscovy duck is captured, it cannot be relocated and released elsewhere. It must be humanely euthanized or transferred to a scientific or educational institution. The FWC does not provide removal services, placing the responsibility on the property owner or a hired nuisance wildlife trapper.