The Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata, is a large waterfowl species recognized by the fleshy, reddish growths around its face. These birds are frequently encountered in parks, urban ponds, and suburban waterways across the southern United States and other non-native regions. Since many duck species undertake long-distance seasonal journeys, people often wonder if the Muscovy duck also participates in annual migration. Understanding this requires examining the species’ natural history and the specific populations found outside of their original habitat.
The Difference Between Wild and Feral Muscovy Ducks
Understanding the movement habits of the Muscovy duck requires distinguishing between its two main populations: the wild species and the feral, domesticated descendants. The true wild Muscovy duck is a slender, predominantly dark-feathered bird with noticeable white wing patches, native to Central and South America. These wild individuals retain their full capacity for flight in their natural environment.
The ducks most commonly seen in North American and European parks are feral populations, which originated from domesticated stock. Breeders selected these domestic ducks for increased body mass, resulting in a much heavier bird than its wild counterpart. This substantial difference in weight often compromises the ability of the domestic and feral males, which can weigh up to 18 pounds, to sustain long-distance flight.
Native Range and Non-Migratory Behavior
The wild Muscovy duck populations are entirely non-migratory. Their native range extends from the tropical and subtropical environments of Mexico and Central America south to Argentina and Uruguay. This habitat offers consistent year-round access to food and water resources, eliminating the seasonal need to travel long distances.
These wild birds are naturally sedentary, establishing territories within forested areas near water sources. They may undertake short, localized movements in response to temporary environmental changes, such as a dry season. This involves shifting short distances to find a more reliable water source or foraging ground, which is a localized adjustment rather than a true seasonal migration.
Local Movement and Wandering Habits
The feral Muscovy ducks seen in residential areas outside the native range are also sedentary. These introduced populations, often descended from escaped pets, remain in the same geographic location due to their non-migratory genetics and physical limitations. Their movements are limited to short-range “wandering” that can be misinterpreted as seasonal travel.
These localized movements are driven by the immediate availability of resources, such as new food sources or preferred roosting and nesting spots. Feral Muscovy ducks spend time foraging, grazing on vegetation, and moving between water and tree cover. Studies tracking these introduced ducks show they occupy a very small home range, sometimes as little as 0.17 square kilometers, confirming their highly localized habits. While they may occasionally fly to a new pond, these short trips are routine territorial movements and not part of a programmed seasonal migration cycle.